New Phoenix Partnership Encourages Residents to Stop the Poo-lution

The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is expanding its stormwater pollution awareness efforts through a new five-year partnership with Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DPI) to encourage residents to clean up after their pets and help “Stop the Poo-lution.”

As part of the agreement, which began in July, Phoenix Water purchased 17 pet waste stations that were placed by Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s Clean + Green team across various pet-friendly locations downtown.

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain flows over streets, parking lots, and other hard surfaces. Along the way, it can pick up pollutants such as oil, trash, fertilizers, and pet waste before entering storm drains.

Unlike wastewater, stormwater in the City of Phoenix is not treated before it flows into local waterways.

“We share a responsibility to protect our water quality with everyday actions,” said Christine Nuñez, an Environmental Programs Manager at Phoenix Water. “By raising awareness and encouraging small changes in behavior, we can make a big difference in protecting our water supply in the Valley.”

Phoenix Water’s Stormwater Management Program works with various City departments to meet federal Clean Water Act permit requirements and Arizona’s State Surface Water Protection Program.

As part of this new agreement, Downtown Phoenix Inc. will install and maintain the pet waste stations and additionally provide Phoenix Water with data, supporting the community outreach efforts.

The pet waste stations are already making an impact, with nearly 500 pounds of pet waste collected in the first month of the partnership.

“By partnering with the City of Phoenix, we’re keeping Downtown clean, welcoming, and enjoyable for residents, visitors, and their pets while also protecting the natural resources that sustain our community,” said Devney Majerle, President and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. “Small actions like these make a big difference.”

To celebrate this partnership, Phoenix Water and DPI will host a joint media event and community event to raise awareness about stormwater pollution on Friday, Sept. 19 (see details below).

This announcement coincides with Phoenix Water’s community outreach about Stormwater Awareness Week, which is celebrated Sept. 22-26.

Phoenix Water invites all community members to get involved and be part of the solution, including joining Phoenix Water’s virtual Stormwater Awareness Conference.

For more resources or to register for the conference, visit Phoenix.gov/Stormwater.

Media Event

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Thelda Williams Paw-Pup Park (200 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003)

WHO: Phoenix Water and Downtown Phoenix Inc. will discuss the importance of the new partnership to raise awareness about stormwater pollution.

Community Event | Pawlooza in the Park

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Thelda Williams Paw-Pup Park (200 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003)

WHO: The community is invited to learn about stormwater awareness ahead of Stormwater Awareness Week: Sept. 22-26.

Media RSVP

Media interested in attending should RSVP to Jimena Garrison at jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov or 480-390-1933.

About City of Phoenix Water Services Department

The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Phoenix. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations. For more information, visit phoenix.gov/water.

About Downtown Phoenix, Inc.

Formed in 2013, Downtown Phoenix Inc. [DPI] is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that delivers enhanced municipal services to the Downtown business core and marketing and event production to Greater Downtown. Additionally, the organization oversees the work plans for Phoenix Community Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization, and Downtown Phoenix Community Development Corporation, a 501(c)(4) organization. DPI and its affiliate organizations are committed to making Phoenix a vibrant urban destination and one of the nation’s great cities. For more information, please visit dtphx.org.

Media Contacts:

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

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