City of Phoenix Expands Smart Leak Detection Program at City Housing Community to Advance Water Conservation Efforts

The City of Phoenix joined community, nonprofit, and private-sector partners to launch a new toilet leak detection initiative at Fillmore Gardens, a City-operated affordable housing community, aimed at reducing water waste, improving maintenance response times, and supporting long-term water sustainability goals.

The project brings together the City of Phoenix Water Services and Housing departments, the Pacific Institute, Sensor Industries, and Target to install smart leak detection sensors that identify hidden toilet leaks in real time. The technology helps maintenance teams quickly locate and repair leaks that can otherwise waste thousands of gallons of water annually.

The Fillmore Gardens installation follows a similar pilot program launched by the City in 2023 at Sunnyslope Manor, another City-operated housing community. That initial project demonstrated the potential for smart leak detection technology to reduce water waste, improve maintenance efficiency, and support Phoenix’s long-term conservation goals.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the importance of practical conservation tools as Phoenix continues planning for long-term drought conditions and Colorado River shortages.

"Phoenix has built a national reputation for thoughtful water management and conservation, and this initiative demonstrates how simple fixes can create big water savings," Mayor Gallego said. "We're leveraging smart technology to fix leaks, reduce costs and protect our most precious resource. Every drop matters in the desert, and we're proud to have private sector partners who understand the importance of investing in conservation."

Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington emphasized the value of collaboration and efficient water use across city operations and housing communities.

"Water conservation is a shared responsibility, and partnerships like this help us deliver meaningful results for residents and the broader community," said Vice Mayor Hodge Washington. "By identifying leaks earlier and improving maintenance efficiency, we are protecting valuable water resources while helping reduce unnecessary costs at our housing properties."

During the event, representatives demonstrated the installation of the sensors, which connect to a digital monitoring platform capable of alerting maintenance staff when abnormal toilet behavior or potential leaks are detected.

Phoenix Water Resources Management Advisor Max Wilson said the project reflects Phoenix’s broader strategy to combine conservation, infrastructure investment, and innovation to strengthen long-term water resilience.

"Small leaks can lead to significant water loss over time, especially across large multifamily housing communities," said Wilson. "This technology allows us to detect problems quickly, respond faster, and prevent water from being wasted. It is a practical conservation tool that supports Phoenix’s larger efforts to ensure a sustainable and resilient water future."

Toilet leaks are among the leading causes of hidden indoor water waste in multifamily residential properties. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a single leaking toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water annually if left undetected.

The Fillmore Gardens project builds on Phoenix’s broader conservation and drought response efforts, which include investments in water infrastructure, conservation programs, advanced water purification planning, and operational technologies designed to improve water efficiency across the city.

The Phoenix Water Services Department provides water and wastewater services to approximately 1.7 million residents across more than 500 square miles and continues to advance long-term strategies focused on conservation, reliability, and sustainability.

The Phoenix Housing Department serves as the Public Housing Authority managing public housing, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, new housing development, and affordable housing properties. The department’s programs provide homes to more than 35,000 Phoenix residents and provide financing to for-profit and nonprofit partners to help create additional affordable housing in our community.

Media Contacts:

Todd Zubatkin
Communications Director
Office of Mayor Kate Gallego
908-892-9090
todd.zubatkin@phoenix.gov

Zack Wallace
Chief of Staff
Office of Phoenix Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington
Phoenix City Council District 8
480-267-5161
zack.wallace@phoenix.gov

Michael Gertzman
Sr. Public Information Officer
Phoenix Water Services Department
602-534-1209
michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov

Jimena Garrison
Public Information Officer
Water Services
480-390-1933
jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov

Kristin Couturier
Sr. Public Information Officer
Phoenix Housing Department
602-568-8126
kristin.couturier@phoenix.gov

Cora Snyder
Senior Program Manager
Pacific Institute
650- 787-8792
csnyder@pacinst.org

Nicholas Benz
SVP Business Development, Sensor Industries
Sensor Industries
805-312-3065
nick.benz@sensorindustries.com

Loni Monroe
Target Media Relations
Target
612-696-3400
press@target.com