With a collective focus on environmental preservation, Phoenix is calling on its residents to participate in the Annual Stormwater Awareness Week from September 22 to September 26, 2025. Citizens are invited to engage with the Water Services Dept. Environmental & Safety Division during this educational campaign, aimed at enhancing the understanding of stormwater pollution and its impacts on local waterways such as the Salt River or Skunk Creek. According to a report by the City of Phoenix Water Services Department, stormwater pollution arises when rainwater, which has not infiltrated the ground, carries pollutants from roads and other surfaces into the storm drain system, flowing untreated into natural bodies of water.
Stormwater pollution might seem distant, intangible even, to the layperson, yet its consequences are anything but. The issue is taken seriously by several Phoenix departments, which collaborate under the Stormwater Management Program to comply with the city's Clean Water Act MS4 permit. In an advancement from 2024, the program implemented new management tools, a database, and saw the introduction of a stormwater post-construction program. This enabled owner-led inspections to help with managing costs. "Aligning our campaign with National Stormwater Awareness Week this year helps amplify our message—from a regional focus to a national conversation about how stormwater is managed," said Berai Kimball, deputy water services director in a statement made to the public as per the City of Phoenix website.
The initiative urges residents to partake in Stormwater Awareness Week by learning through a Virtual Workshop scheduled for September 24. The workshop will cover the city's strategy to reduce stormwater pollution, and interested individuals must register in advance to join. Simple yet impactful actions can diminish stormwater pollution. These include proper disposal of waste and chemicals, vehicle maintenance to prevent leaks, pet waste cleanup, cautious use of lawn chemicals, and safe disposal of hazardous household materials. The campaign distills its guidance into a memorable maxim, "only rain in the storm drain," signaling a clear goal for communal effort, as mentioned on the City of Phoenix website.
Across the Valley, participation has risen since the campaign's inception in 2019, with more municipalities and government agencies lending their support every year. For those interested in becoming part of the solution, additional details about the program and how to prevent stormwater pollution are available on the city's website.
