AMWUA Blog
Get To Work: How To Qualify For A Job In Water
Skilled people who treat and distribute drinking water and collect and treat wastewater are retiring at a high rate. Jobs are opening up in Arizona’s small towns and big cities. It takes smart, ambitious and persistent job seekers to get started in these public health jobs. Utilities will hire people who trained just after high school and those who opt to change careers. Cities have hired veterans...
Jun 05 2017
2017 Legislative Session: Four Things That Went Right For WaterSo far 2017 has been a good year for water. The Southwest had a rainy winter, an official shortage of Colorado River water appears delayed another year, and there was broad support for water issues at the Arizona Legislature. The Arizona Department of Water Resources, ...
May 29 2017
The Whys Behind Changes in Your Water BillYou may have noticed from time to time changes to your city's water bill. A city makes adjustments to water and sewer rates to ensure the rates charged to homes and businesses cover the city's expenses. Such adjustments only happen after being approved by your city council. Here are a few of the rising expenses that impact the cost of a city's water and sewer services....
May 22 2017
Five Things You Need To Know Right Now About DroughtOngoing headlines about drought in the southwest are confusing and often seem contradictory. Two weeks ago, a panel of experts advised the Governor's Office that Arizona's drought is not over and will last, at least, another year. After a rainy winter, that's a surprise for many people who follow the state's drought status maps. These monthly drought maps show no portion of Arizona remaining in "e...
May 15 2017
Regional Partnerships Keep Water AffordableIt is not easy for cities to build, staff and operate water and wastewater treatment plants and still maintain water and wastewater rates all residents can afford. That’s why Central Arizona cities traditionally work together to build regional treatment plants that can deliver more water for less money....
May 08 2017
So, Exactly How Much Water Are We Talking About?When it comes to meeting the water needs of a thriving desert economy, the amounts can really add up. Communicating these amounts in a way we can relate to sometimes misses the mark. We've all read or heard something like "That's enough water to fill 200 Olympic size swimming pools." It's not an easy example to imagine, other than to think, "I guess that's a lot of water."...
May 01 2017
Save Water (And Money) Outside This SummerWe're approaching peak demand season for city water departments, which means peak water bills for residents and businesses. The demand for water is at its highest in June or July when landscape irrigation systems, pools and cooling towers are working at maximum capacity. Cities build infrastructure to meet this ...
Apr 24 2017
City Water Departments Answer Five Common QuestionsYour city's water department does a great job using science and engineering, muscle and skill to get drinking water into your home 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The water professionals at your city can answer your questions about water quality testing, water rates and billing, the efficient use of water, free water conservation classes, water conservation rebates, and water leaks in the stree...
Apr 17 2017
On The Job: Skill, Hard Work Ensures Water Gets To Your HomeWhen someone asks Sal Correa what he does for a living, he answers this way: “You know the water you drink? I make sure it gets to your house.” That’s a pretty good description. Sal co-leads a 7-member City of Chandler team that replaces aging water distribution pipes, repairs breaks, and installs fire hydrants and new water meters. Sometimes his crew lays water lines to new subdivisions....
Apr 10 2017
Water Advocacy: It’s Easier Than You ThinkIs this your year to become a water advocate? Yes, I know, we're all pressed for time, but water advocacy doesn't have to take much time. What it takes is a question or a suggestion to the right person at the right time. Sometimes that moment arrives on an elevator with your building's facilities manager, on a golf course with an HOA board member, or in an email to your legislator. Here are a few ...