Water Quality Report

2010

Scottsdale is committed to providing you with safe,reliable and quality drinking water each and everyday. Part of this commitment is to prepare and distribute an annual report about the quality of ourdrinking water. Our 2010 Water Quality Reportprovides important information about our drinkingwater including where our water supply comes from,our water treatment processes, results of the continualtesting on our water and how these results comparewith federal water quality standards. There also isvaluable information on our water reclamation activities and water conservation.

Did you know?• In 2009, the City of Scottsdale delivered over

25 billion gallons of water to our customers. • Scottsdale owns and maintains approximately

2,000 miles of water lines throughout the city.That’s enough to go from Scottsdale to Flagstaff and back more than six times!

• Scottsdale has over 87,000 water service connections to homes and businesses.

Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality water and bestpossible service to you. Scottsdale tests forover 100 different substances mandated by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) toensure your drinking water is safe. The SafeDrinking Water Act of 1974 contains federalregulations that safeguard our nation’s tapwater. Scottsdale works closely with the EPA,the Arizona Department of EnvironmentalQuality (ADEQ), and the Maricopa CountyEnvironmental Services Department to maintain compliance with all drinking waterstandards to assure a reliable water supply. Testresults show that in 2009 Scottsdale’s drinkingwater met or surpassed all federal and statedrinking water standards.

A Message from the EPA about Drinking WaterTo ensure your tap water is safe to drink, theEPA issues regulations that limit the amount ofcertain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) regulations establish limits for substances in commercial bottledwater.

Sources of drinking water include rivers, lakes,reservoirs and wells. As water travels over thesurface of the land or through the ground, itdissolves naturally occurring minerals andradioactive materials, and can pick up sub-stances resulting from the presence of animalsor from human activity.

You can expect drinking water, including bottled water, to contain at least small amountsof some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate ahealth risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can beobtained by calling the EPA’s Safe DrinkingWater Hotline (800-426-4791).

Possible contaminants that may be present insource water include:• Microbial contaminants including viruses,

bacteria or parasites (such as Cryptosporidiumor Giardia), which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems,agricultural or livestock operations and wildlife.

• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining or farming.

• Pesticides and herbicides that may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, storm water runoff and residential uses.

• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic compounds, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and also can come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.

• Radiochemical contaminants, which occur naturally or result from oil and gas productionand mining activities.

Attention Immuno-CompromisedCitizensSome people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the generalpopulation. Immuno-compromised individualssuch as people with cancer undergoingchemotherapy; people who have undergoneorgan transplants; people with HIV/AIDS orother immune system disorders; and some elderly people and infants can be particularly atrisk from infections. These individuals shouldseek advice about drinking water from theirhealth care providers. Environmental ProtectionAgency / Center for Disease Control guidelineson appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from theEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

A chemical calledferric sulfate isadded to thewater to removenaturally-occurringarsenic.

Chaparral Water Treatment Plant (CWTP)

SRP CANAL

CAP CANAL

GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBONPRETREATMENT MEMBRANE FILTRATION

Coagulation & Flocculation – Largemixers called flocculators and “alum”are used to draw small particlestogether to form larger, heavier particles.

Central Arizona Project (CAP) Water Treatment Plant

FILTRATIONCOAGULATION & FLOCCULATION DISINFECTION/STORAGE

DISINFECTION/STORAGE

GRANULAR ACTIVATED CARBONSEDIMENTATION

City of Scottsdale Water Supply and Treatment

Our water supply comes from both surfacewater and groundwater sources. Throughoutthe year it’s possible you may receive waterfrom any one of multiple sources, or a combination of water sources. Consumerdemand for water, weather and time of year areall factors that determine where your drinkingwater comes from.

The city’s main surface water supply is from theColorado River. This water is transportedthrough the Central Arizona Project (CAP)canal to the Scottsdale CAP Water TreatmentPlant. Scottsdale also receives surface waterfrom Salt River Project (SRP), which comesfrom the Verde and Salt rivers. Water is transported by SRP to the Chaparral WaterTreatment Plant.

The water is moved to rectangular basins where large particles settle to the bottom and arethen removed.

The remaining very small particles are removed through a filtering process.

GAC is a black, sand-like material that adsorbs natural organicmatter contained in the water. Aswater passes through the GAC ves-sels, organic matter is removed,decreasing taste and odors in thewater.

Water is disinfected with chlorine in a water storage reservoirand then distributed to customers. Achlorine residual is required by regulation to ensure adequateremoval of harmful microbes.

This system uses submerged hollowfibers containing tiny pores. Watermolecules are able to pass throughthe pores while larger molecules cannot. Using low pressure, thewater passes through the pores andcontaminants are filtered out. The filtered water is then pumped on forfurther treatment.

GAC is a black, sand-like material thatadsorbs natural organic matter contained in the water. As waterpasses through the GAC vessels,organic matter is removed, decreasing taste and odors in thewater.

Water is disinfected with chlorine in awater storage reservoir and then distributed to customers. A chlorineresidual is required by regulation toensure adequate removal of harmfulmicrobes.

Besides these two sources, your drinking wateralso comes from aquifers stored deep belowground. The water is pumped from the groundthrough one of the city’s 23 active wells andthen disinfected prior to entering the drinkingwater distribution system. The water from thesewells may receive other forms of treatmentprior to disinfection and distribution to our customers.

As part of Scottsdale’s contingency plan, thecity can purchase small quantities of water fromthe city of Phoenix for service to the southernportion of the city. In 2009, Scottsdale purchased approximately 8 million gallons ofwater from Phoenix. Water quality informationfor City of Phoenix water supply can be foundby visiting www.phoenix.gov/water.

Pump/WellsGroundwater containing moderate levels of arsenic is pumped from a well site to a treatment facility.

TreatmentThe water passes through an adsorption-based media, where the arsenic attaches itself to the media and is effectively removed from the water.

Disinfection/StorageThe treated water is then moved to a reservoir for disinfection and storage before it is delivered to the City of Scottsdale drinking water system.

Pump/Wells

Clean AirInput Disinfection/Storage

UntreatedWater

TreatedWaterStripping

Tower

Air Treatment

Arsenic Treatment Facility Central Groundwater Treatment Facility (CGTF)

Removing Arsenic from GroundwaterGroundwater in Scottsdale and throughout Arizona contains varying levels of naturally-occurringarsenic. Arsenic levels in these water sources must be reduced to acceptable levels before beingserved to customers. City of Scottsdale operates three facilities that remove arsenic from groundwater. Of the twenty three active wells operated by Scottsdale, 17 have elevated arsenic levels.

Central Groundwater TreatmentFacility (CGTF)Some of Scottsdale’s groundwater supply alsocomes from the North Indian Bend Wash(NIBW) an EPA designated superfund site. TheCentral Groundwater Treatment Facility(CGTF), see graphic above, treats waterpumped from four groundwater wells that contain trichloroethylene (TCE), which is anindustrial chemical. The CGTF facility locatedat Pima and Thomas roads was built by privatecompanies that were deemed potentiallyresponsible for contaminating the groundwaterwith TCE. The private companies are responsible for the cost of operating and maintaining the facility. The groundwater istreated to levels better than federal and statedrinking water standards, with regulatory oversight by EPA, ADEQ and Maricopa County.

For more information on the NIBW Superfundsite, please call EPA’s message line (800-231-3075). For more information on the NIBWCentral Groundwater Treatment Facility, please

visit our water quality Web site at www.scotts-daleaz.gov/water/superfund or contact theCity of Scottsdale at (480) 312-8732.

How does the NIBW CentralGroundwater Treatment Facilitywork?• Water is pumped from the wells through

three treatment columns. • The treatment facility uses a process that

“strips” the water of contaminants by mixing the water with air. As the water and air mix, the contaminants transfer into the air.

• The air used during this treatment process is passed through granular activated carbon filters to remove the TCE before the air is released into the surrounding area.

• The treated water is then moved to a reservoir for disinfection before it is delivered to the city of Scottsdale drinking water system. The water in the reservoir iscombined with other treated water source(s) to meet customer demand.

DOUBLETREE

CAP

Chaparral

CGTF

Water Service AreasScottsdale’s water service area isapproximately 185 square mileswith three major water productionfacilities (see map). Each of thesefacilities produce water on a year-round basis and make upabout 87% of the water supply.The southern-most portion ofScottsdale (highlighted in gray)receives water that is a blend ofgroundwater (from the CentralGroundwater Treatment Facility-CGTF) and a surface water supply(the Chaparral WTP or the CAPWTP). The remainder of the cityreceives predominantly treated surface water from the ChaparralWTP or CAP WTP. In the warmermonths, Scottsdale also uses various other groundwater sourcesto suppliment the surface watersupplies to meet consumerdemand.

Important Definitions and AbbreviationsContaminantAny physical, chemical, biologicalor radiological substance or matterin the water.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal(MCLG)The level of a contaminant indrinking water below which thereis no known or expected risk tohealth. MCLGs allow for a marginof safety.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)The highest level of a contaminantallowed by the EPA in drinkingwater. MCLs are set as close toMCLGs as feasible using the bestavailable treatment technology.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) The highest level of a disinfectant(chlorine) allowed in drinkingwater. There is convincing scientific evidence that addition of adisinfectant is required for controlof microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) The level of drinking water disinfectant below which there isno known or expected risk tohealth. MRDLG’s do not reflectthe benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbialcontamination.

Treatment Technique (TT) A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant indrinking water.

Action Level (AL) The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded,triggers treatment or other requirements that a water providermust follow.

Part per million (ppm) / Part per billion (ppb)These units describe the levels ofdetected substances. One part permillion equals 1 drop of food color-ing in thirteen gallons of water.Onepart per billion equals 1 drop offood coloring in a small backyardswimming pool (13,000 gallons).

Picocuries per liter(pCi/L) A measure of the radioactivity of a substance.

Health Based Guidance Level (HBGL) Developed by Arizona Departmentof Health Services (ADHS). Theyrepresent levels that are unlikely toresult in adverse health effects with long-term exposure to humans.

Non-Detectable (ND) The substance was analyzed but notdetected.

Not Applicable (NA) A regulatory limit does not exist.

2009 Detected ResultsDrinking water regulations require testing to beperformed at various locations depending onthe contaminants. Water testing is performed atentry points to the distribution system (referredto as EPDS) to represent treated source water.Scottsdale has 10 EPDS locations. Testing is alsoperformed within the distribution system toensure water remains safe during travel to yourhome or business. Scottsdale has over 150 dedicated sampling stations throughout its distribution system where testing is performed.

The results of Scottsdale’s water quality analysesare presented in the following pages. Unlessotherwise noted, these results are for samplescollected between January 1 and December 31,2009. Scottsdale water is tested for over 100substances, however, only substances that aredetected in the water during testing are listed inthis report. Arsenic and nitrate are discussed indetail below, but if you would like informationabout other substances or a complete list ofsubstances tested please contact a city staffmember at (480) 312-8732. Valuable information about drinking water contaminantsis also contained on the EPA’s website atwww.epa.gov/OGWDW/contaminants/index.html.

Public Notification The City of Scottsdale is required to monitoryour drinking water for specific contaminantson a regular basis. Results of regular monitor-ing are an indicator of whether or not ourdrinking water meets health standards.Specifically, arsenic levels must be monitored atour arsenic treatment facilities at least once perquarter to ensure they are operating properlyand producing water with less than 10 ppb ofarsenic (the MCL set by EPA). During the 1stand 4th quarters of 2009 one of our arsenictreatment facilities was not in use and thereforemonitoring was not performed. Because waterwas not being produced from this facility or the

associated groundwater wells during these peri-ods there was no impact to the drinking watersystem or your health. Testing conducted dur-ing operation of this facility indicated arseniclevels below the MCL of 10 ppb.

ArsenicArsenic is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in water due to leaching fromrocks and soil. The maximum contaminantlevel for arsenic (MCL) allowed in drinkingwater is 10 ppb, based on a running annualaverage.

While your drinking water meets EPA’s standard for arsenic, it does contain low levelsof arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the currentunderstanding of arsenic’s possible health effectsagainst the costs of removing arsenic fromdrinking water. EPA continues to research thehealth effects of low levels of arsenic, which is amineral known to cause cancer in humans athigh concentrations and is linked to other healtheffects such as skin damage and circulatoryproblems. In 2009, the highest level of arsenicmeasured in Scottsdale’s drinking water was 7.4parts per billion (ppb), which is below theMCL.

Nitrate Nitrate is an inorganic substance that is monitored due to run off from fertilizer use.Nitrate in drinking water at levels greater than10 ppm is considered a health risk for infantsyounger than six months of age. (Nitrate levelsabove 10 ppm in drinking water can cause bluebaby syndrome.) Nitrate levels in surface watersupplies may rise quickly for short periods oftime due to rainfall or agricultural activity. Ifyou are caring for an infant you should seekadvice from your health care provider. In 2009,the highest nitrate level detected in Scottsdale’sdrinking water was 5.9 ppm, which is belowthe MCL set by the EPA.

2009 RESULTS - Measured at the Entry Point to the Distribution System

SUBSTANCE UNIT MCL MCLG LOWEST HIGHEST AVERAGE LIKELY SOURCE INAMOUNT AMOUNT DRINKING WATERDETECTED DETECTED

Arsenic ppb 10 0 ND 7.4 4.1 Leaching of natural deposits

Barium ppb 2,000 2,000 ND 153 60.1 Leaching of natural deposits

Chromium ppb 100 100 ND 27 5 Leaching of natural deposits

Fluoride ppm 4 4 ND 1.1 0.36 Leaching of natural deposits

Nitrate ppm 10 10 ND 5.9 1.7 Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, andnatural deposits

Ethylbenzene ppb 700 700 ND 1.31 ND Discharge from petroleum factories

Xylenes ppb 10,000 10,000 ND 6.15 ND Discharge from chemical and petroleum factories

Gross Alpha (Alpha Emitters)a pCi/L 15 0 2.0 8.9 8.9 Leaching of natural

deposits

Radium 226a pCi/L 5 0 ND 0.9 0.9 Leaching of natural deposits

Uraniuma ug/L 30 0 1.5 11.2 11.2 Leaching of natural deposits

a: Most recent testing performed in 2008

2009 DISINFECTANT AND DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT MONITORING - Measured in the Distribution System2009 TURBIDITY - Measured at the Surface Water Treatment Plants

SUBSTANCE TREATMENT TECHNIQUE MCLG HIGHEST TREATMENT TECHNIQUE LIKELY SOURCEREQUIREMENTS MEASUREMENT COMPARISON IN DRINKING WATER

Turbidity No turbidity measurement can NA 0.1 NTU 100% of monthly Soil runoffbe above 1 NTU at any time, samples met treatmentand at least 95% of turbidity technique requirementsmeasurements in any month must be less than or equal to 0.3 NTU.

2009 MICROBIAL MONITORING - Measured in the Distribution System

SUBSTANCE

Total Coliform

MCL

Presence in nomore than 5% ofmonthly samples

LIKELY SOURCE INDRINKING WATER

Naturally present in the environment

ENTIRE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The highest monthly percentage of samplesin which Total Coliforms were detected is

0%. Of 154 samples collected everymonth throughout 2009, there were no

Total Coliforms detected.

MCLG

0

Turbidity is a measure of clarity in the waterand is reported as Nephelometric TurbidityUnits (NTU). Turbidity is caused by a variety ofsubstances including sand, dirt and algae. Wateris measured for turbidity to determine theeffectiveness of the water treatment process.Scottsdale measures turbidity continuously at itssurface water treatment plants.

Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to ensure thedestruction of potentially harmful microbes andto control microbial activity within our distri-bution pipes. Chlorine levels are monitored atour water treatment plants and in the distribu-tion system to ensure that safe and adequatelevels are maintained. Scottsdale’s goal is tohave a chlorine residual between 0.8 parts permillion (ppm) and 1.2 ppm in water distributedto customers. If chlorine levels are outside ofthe preferred range, necessary adjustments aremade to return to the preferred range.

A byproduct of using chlorine as a disinfectantis the formation of Trihalomethanes andHaloacetic Acids. These are formed as a resultof a chemical reaction between chlorine and

Every month the City of Scottsdale tests over150 sites within the distribution system for TotalColiform and E.Coli bacteria in order to verifythe integrity of the distribution system as wellas our water sources.

naturally occurring organic matter in the water.In order to minimize the formation of disinfec-tion byproducts, levels of Total Organic Carbon(TOC) are reduced through the treatmentprocess primarily through the use of granularactivated carbon (GAC) adsorption. TOC levelsare monitored before and after the water treat-ment process to ensure adequate removal ofTOC. We also carefully control and monitorchlorine levels so that disinfection is effective,while minimizing the levels of disinfectionbyproducts. Some individuals who drink watercontaining Trihalomethanes in excess of theMCL over many years may experience prob-lems with their liver, kidneys, or central nerv-ous systems, and may have an increased risk ofgetting cancer.

SUBSTANCE UNITS MCL a MCLG LOWEST HIGHEST ANNUAL MAJOR SOURCE INLEVEL LEVEL RUNNING DRINKING WATER

AVERAGE

Chlorine ppm MRDL = 4 MRDLG = 4 0.16 1.9 0.95 Water additive used to control microbes

Total Organic b ppm TT NA 0.8 2.2 1.8 Naturally present in Carbon the Environment

Total ppb 80 NA 4.8 122 55.9 Byproduct of drinking Trihalomethanes water disinfection(TTHMs)

Haloacetic ppb 60 NA ND 34.0 14.6 Byproduct of drinkingAcids (HAAs) water disinfection

a: Compliance is based on a system wide annual running average and based on this average, the City was below the MCL.b: TOC is measured in the treated surface water at the water treatment plant.

RESULTS OF LEAD AND COPPER MONITORING IN RESIDENTIAL HOUSEHOLDS

SUBSTANCE UNITS ACTION LEVEL (AL) MCLG AMOUNT DETECTED LIKELY SOURCES IN DRINKING WATER

Leada ppb 90% of homes tested 0 90% of the homes Corrosion of household plumbingmust have lead levels tested had lead

less than 15 ppb levels less than 1.9 ppb

Lead from City ppb NA NA ND - 9.4 Erosion of natural depositswater sources

Coppera ppm 90% of homes tested 1.3 90% of the homes testedmust have copper levels had copper levels

less than 1.3 ppm less than 0.26 ppm

Copper from City ppm NA NA ND - 0.109 Erosion of natural depositswater sources

a: Most recent testing performed in 2008

Corrosion of household plumbing

2009 SECONDARY INORGANICS - Measured at the Entry Point to the Distribution System

Lead and CopperLead and copper are typically used for house-hold plumbing fixtures and pipes. Lead andcopper may leach from faucets or plumbingcomponents into the drinking water when thewater stands in pipes for several hours.Leaching may also occur in copper pipes joinedwith lead-based solder. Because the water inyour pipes can pick up these metals, the instal-lation of lead containing solder, pipes and fit-tings was banned in 1986. The 2008 lead andcopper levels reported below are from waterfaucets inside 50 Scottsdale homes that werebuilt before the lead ban. Results from twohomes exceeded the 15 ppb action level forlead. The homeowners were contacted by citystaff to discuss how to minimize lead exposurefrom drinking water.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause seri-ous health problems, especially for pregnantwomen and young children. Typically, lead indrinking water is from materials and compo-nents associated with service lines and homeplumbing. Scottsdale is committed to providinghigh quality drinking water, but cannot controlthe variety of materials used in plumbing com-ponents. When your water has been sitting forseveral hours, you can minimize the potentialfor lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30seconds to 2 minutes before using water fordrinking or cooking. If you are concerned aboutlead in your water, you may wish to have yourwater tested. Information on lead in drinkingwater, testing methods, and steps you can taketo minimize exposure is available from the SafeDrinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or athttp://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Water HardnessAs water makes its way to our treatment plants or through the aquifer, it will pick up naturallyoccurring minerals that make the water hard. There are varying levels of water hardness inScottsdale and approximate hardness levels are shown in the table below.

BOUNDARY HARDNESS HARDNESS(GRAINS PER GALLON) (MG/L OR PPM)

South of Indian School Rd 19 - 20 325 - 350

Indian School Rd to Chaparral Rd 14-16 240 - 275

Chaparral Rd to McCormick Pkwy 12-13 200 - 225

North of McCormick Pkwy 15-17.5 250 - 300

SUBSTANCE UNIT MCL MCLG LOWEST AMOUNT DETECTED HIGHEST AMOUNT DETECTED

Alkalinity ppm NA NA 114 220Aluminum ppm NA NA ND 0.1Calcium ppm NA NA 18 100Chloride ppm NA NA 34 261Iron ppm NA NA ND 0.891Magnesium ppm NA NA 13 51Manganese ppm NA NA ND 0.041pH Std. Unit NA NA 7.3 8.4Sodium ppm NA NA 23 144Sulfate ppm NA NA ND 255Temperature oC NA NA 15 36

oF NA NA 59 97Total Dissolved Solids ppm NA NA 248 850Zinc ppm NA NA ND 0.031

Other Constituents, such as those in the table below, are not regulated but may be of special interestto water customers.

CryptosporidiumCryptosporidium is a pathogen found in surfacewater throughout the United States. Ingestionof Cryptosporidium may cause a gastrointestinalillness, and it may be spread through meansother than drinking water. From 2002 to 2006,Scottsdale conducted bimonthly compliancemonitoring for Cryptosporidium in the city’stwo surface water sources. The data collectedwas submitted to regulatory agencies and it wasdetermined that additional treatment forCryptosporidium is not required at our watertreatment plants. We periodically conduct voluntary monitoring for Cryptosporidium inour source water. In 2009 Cryptosporidiumwas not detected in our untreated source water.

PerchloratePerchlorate is used as a component of rocketfuel munitions and in fireworks industry. TheEPA does not currently require monitoring ofperchlorate in drinking water, but has set aninterim health advisory level of 15 ppb.Arizona’s guidance level is 14 ppb. Scottsdalehas elected to monitor our CAP source waterfor perchlorate. During our voluntary monitoring in 2009, the highest concentrationof perchlorate detected was 2.1 ppb.

MTBE (methyl-t-butyl ether)MTBE is a member of a group of volatile organic chemicals commonly known as fueloxygenates. MTBE is used in gasoline throughout the United States to reduce carbonmonoxide and ozone levels caused by autoemissions. MTBE is highly soluble in water andis a concern for water utilities.

The EPA does not currently have a maximumcontaminant level for MTBE or require MTBEmonitoring in drinking water. However, EPAhas recommended that MTBE concentrationnot exceed 20-40 ppb. Scottsdale began monitoring for MTBE in 2002, and to datethere has been no detectable MTBE in drinkingwater served to Scottsdale customers.

Source Water Protection Program (SWAP)In 2004, the city of Scottsdale worked withADEQ to review and finalize a source waterassessment for the groundwater wells and surface water sources used by the city. Theassessment reviewed the adjacent land uses thatmay pose a potential risk to our water sources.The risks identified include, but are not limitedto, gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agriculture fields, and wastewater treatmentplants. Once the adjacent land uses were identified, they were ranked by their potentialto affect the water source.

The city’s groundwater wells have low to medium risk, with the exception of the wellslinked to the Central Groundwater TreatmentFacility. Those wells were identified as having ahigh risk of contamination, but the water produced by the wells is treated to drinkingwater standards and monitored closely by thecity, ADEQ, and the EPA. All surface watersources are considered high risk due to theirexposure to open air. The overall risk posed tosurface waters is addressed by the EPA throughits increased monitoring requirements for surface water sources.

The city continually protects our sources bycarefully siting wells, monitoring water qualityof all sources, providing security and continuingpublic education. Residents can help protectour ground water sources by practicing goodseptic system maintenance (if you use a septictank), taking advantage of the city’s householdhazardous material collection days and limitingpesticide and fertilizer use.

The complete assessment is available to reviewat the ADEQ, 1110 W. Washington, Phoenix,Arizona 85007, between the hours of 8 a.m.and 5 p.m., or visit the ADEQ’s Source WaterAssessment and Protection Unit Web site atwww.azdeq.gov/environ/water/dw/swap.html.This information is also available from the Cityof Scottsdale Water Resources Department at480-312-8732.

What’s new in Water ResourcesCurrently, Scottsdale has enough water to supply our customer’s needs now and in thefuture through proactive planning. We continueto promote voluntary water conservationefforts year round and we closely monitor thedrought and our water supply to ensure weremain prepared. Scottsdale continually strivesto improve the operations of our water andwastewater facilities to ensure safety and qualityto you.

Water ReclamationIn 2009, approximately 2.6 billion gallons ofreclaimed wastewater was sent to 23 local golfcourses and the Scottsdale Sports Complex forturf irrigation through the Reclaimed WaterDistribution System (RWDS). In addition,nearly 2.1 billion gallons of reclaimed waterwere added to our underground storageaquifers.

Currently, expansion of the Advanced WaterTreatment Plant is underway at the WaterCampus as outlined in our Master Plan. Thisproject will help ensure future sustainability byincreasing our recharge capabilities and providing reclaimed water for golf course irrigation. Through a public-private partnershipwithin the RWDS, golf courses, some of thecosts of this project will be borne by the RWDScourse to reduce salinity concerns in reclaimedwater. The majority of the construction willbe completed next fiscal year.

Reclaimed Water Sales AgreementA portion of Scottsdale’s wastewater is sent tothe 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant inPhoenix. This facility is owned and funded by amulti-city consortium called the Sub RegionalOperating Group (SROG), of which Scottsdaleis a member. SROG was recently successful inrenegotiating the sales contract between itselfand the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station(ANPP). The agreement sets the cost chargedto ANPP for the sale of reclaimed water treatedat the facility which helps to offset the costspaid by SROG cities for the operations of theplant. The agreement also ensures continuousoperation of the Palo Verde Nuclear GeneratingStation and sustains our drinking water supplyby providing a beneficial and balanced use ofreclaimed water in place of drinking watersources.

Reduced Energy Costs By redirecting wastewater flows, Scottsdale wasable to minimize pumping costs associated withthe pumpback system without negatively affecting the volumes of wastewater being treated at 91st Avenue and the Water Campus.

A grant from the U.S. Department of Energy isbeing used to replace existing aeration blowerswith more energy efficient turbo blowers at theWater Campus and Gainey Ranch WaterReclamation Facilities.

Additional Water Quality Information

The Water Conservation Office has an extended menu of conservation outreach programs designed to help citizenssave water. Water Conservation staff offer a lineup of excellent educational workshops, informative residential wateraudits, and a variety of rebate programs. Information on EPA’s WaterSense program, the Scottsdale XeriscapeGarden at Chaparral Park, and water saving tips are also topics of interest that we can provide information on. Toreach the Water Conservation Office, please visit our website at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/conservation or call(480) 312-5650.

WORkSHOPS

The City sponsors low-water-use landscapeworkshops several times a year. The workshopscover topics such as landscape design, plantselection, planting techniques, landscape main-tenance, and water efficient irrigation.

RESIDENTIAL WATER AUDIT

The audit program offers a one-time free irriga-tion water audit to single-family residentialhomes. If you have questions such as “Howmuch water does my yard need?” or “Does myirrigation system leak?” then an irrigation auditis for you.

PUBLICATIONS

Water Conservation promotes and distributesbrochures on low-water-use landscaping toScottsdale’s citizens. Popular brochures includeLandscape Plants for the Arizona Desert -Guide to Growing More Than 200 Low-Water-Use Plants, Xeriscape Landscaping With Style inthe Arizona Desert, and Landscape Watering by

the Numbers. These publications can be viewedonline and/or you can request copies be mailedto your home.

WATER – USE IT WISELY

Scottsdale is an active participant in the “Water- Use It Wisely” advertising campaign with otherValley cities. The campaign promotes easy thingscitizens can do to save water. For more infor-mation on Water – Use It Wisely, go towww.wateruseitwisely.com/arizona.

WATERSENSE

WaterSense, a program sponsored by the USEnvironmental Protection Agency, helps con-sumers identify water efficient toilets, faucets,and more. A WaterSense labeled product notonly uses less water but performs just as wellas, if not better than, other products in its cate-gory. For more information visit WaterSense atwww.epa.gov/watersense and look for theWaterSense label when buying new fixtures.

WaterConservation Rebate ProgramsCity rebate programs encourage installation ofwater efficient plumbing fixtures and/or low-water-use landscapes. Currently the city offersseveral water conservation rebates. To qualifyfor a rebate, the applicant must receive waterfrom the City’s water system. Check the mostcurrent rebate application forms for proce-dures, limitations, and other requirements.

TOILET AND SHOWERHEAD REBATES

Rebate incentives are offered for the installationof low-flow toilets and showerheads. Free aera-tors are also available to water customers. Lookfor EPA’s WaterSense label on toilets and show-erheads.

HOT WATER RECIRCULATION SYSTEM REBATE

A hot water recirculation device moves hotwater from the water heater quickly to elimi-nate the need to “let the water run” in order toget hot water from the tap. The program offersa rebate for installation of a hot water recircula-tor. A minimum plumbing permit from the Cityis required.

TURF REMOVAL FOR RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

REBATE

Single family residential customers can receive arebate for converting an existing high-water-uselandscape to a low-water-use landscape. Therebate amount is up to $1,500 and is calculatedbased upon the amount of turf removed.

TURF REMOVAL FOR COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

COMMON AREAS REBATE

A rebate of up to $3,000 is offered for theremoval of turf and installation of city approvedlow-water-use landscaping. A plan must beapproved by City of Scottsdale Planning andDevelopment Services.

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION CONTROLLER REBATE

A rebate of up to $250 is offered for the pur-chase of a new multi-programmable irrigationcontroller or a Smart irrigation controller.

Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden atChaparral ParkThe Garden is located at 5401 N Hayden Road,on the southeast corner of Hayden Road andMcDonald Drive. This five-acre garden isdesigned to demonstrate the beauty of low-water-use plants and water efficient landscapingprinciples. Attractions include four outdoorclassrooms, 135 low-water-use plant species,and signage that addresses topics such as howthe earth recycles water, rainwater harvesting,and plant care.

For more information about rebates, work-shops, publications, and other City water con-servation programs, visit our website atwww.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/conservation orcall 480-312-5650.

Design with Arizona in Mind• Plant evergreen trees on the west and deciduous trees on the east side of the house to maximize

shade and energy savings throughout the year.• Choose native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife.• Locate plants where they have room to grow to mature height and width without pruning.• Use mounds and depressions in the landscape to direct rain from the roof to root zones. Direct

water at least 8 to 10 feet away from structures.www.tapintoquality.comwww.wateruseitwisely.comwww.epa.gov/watersensewww.drinktap.org

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