Councilwoman Peggy Neely's
Tatum Sun Times Column

July 2005

Phoenix Moving Forward on Water Issues

As you fill up a cold glass of water this summer, you probably are taking for granted the complex system of how that water gets to your home.

Most of us don’t spend our time thinking about these things. That’s how it should be. You turn on the faucet, the water comes out, you take a shower, wash the dishes or rinse some vegetables.

The city, though, thinks about it all of the time, perhaps more now than ever. Still fresh in the minds of the men and women who manage the city’s water system is a January series of events that tested the city’s system of delivering fresh and clean water to its residents.

One of the city's water treatment plants developed problems after a series of heavy rainstorms stirred up too much sediment – mud, silt and other particles – in river water leading to the plant.

While plant employees worked to correct the situation, the city issued a precautionary advisory for consumers to boil tap water before drinking it or using it to prepare food.

The situation was compounded by the fact that only two of the city’s five water treatment plants were operating at the time, which is usually more than enough to meet the average winter daily demand for water.

Since then, the City Council and its Environment and Natural Resources Subcommittee, of which I am a member, have reviewed the incident thoroughly and taken steps to find out exactly what happened and how the situation can be avoided in the future.

Findings of the extensive review stressed that while the water was safe during the troubled period, changes to operational procedures and internal communication activities were required.

The city responded with major improvements in practices and procedures in the Water Services Department. The city manager quickly brought a new leadership team to the department, headed by long-time city executive Danny Murphy, who is serving as acting director.

“Phoenix Water Services has enhanced its administrative, plant operations and emergency response programs,” said Murphy.

Additionally, Murphy and other city officials now are checking to see that the changes bring positive results.

“We continue to take millions of water tests and measurements each year and are working with consultants and Maricopa County officials to ensure our commitment to our customers in every facet of our mission,” he said.

Further out, a sixth Phoenix water treatment plant will be completed in 2007 to help the city service customers even better.

We are learning from our mistakes and working very hard to make sure that the only time you’ll have to boil water in the future is when you’re getting ready for a cup of tea or a plate of pasta.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which encompasses most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at 602-262-7445 or council.district.2@phoenix.gov