Arizona Department of Environmental Quality ADEQ

ADEQ leaders joined environmental officials from across the country at the 2025 ECOS Spring Meeting this week in Arlington, Virginia ?? This event brought together state and federal leaders to collaborate on environmental progress, reinforcing our commitment to addressing environmental challenges together. ?? ADEQ Director and ECOS Water Committee Chair Karen Peters participated in a panel discussion alongside other state leaders. ??ADEQ Deputy Director Amanda Stone and Chief Science Officer Paula (Chang) Panzino also attended, contributing to key discussions on resilience, permitting, and regulatory programs. #ECOS2025 #EnvironmentalLeadership #ADEQCommunity

?? Stay informed during #wildfire season with the 5-3-1 method! Here is how it works: Stand with your back to the sun and check visibility: ??5 miles away: Air quality is unhealthy for vulnerable groups. Minimize outdoor activity. ??3 miles away: Vulnerable groups should stay indoors. Others should limit outdoor activities. ??1 mile away: Everyone should remain indoors, avoiding outdoor activities. Remember: If you smell smoke, you are breathing it in. Stay indoors to protect your health. Learn more ?? azdeq.gov/wildfire-faqs #SouthwestWildfireAwarenessWeek #AZFire

It’s Opening Day at Arizona Diamondbacks' #ChaseField, and they’re hitting a #sustainability home run! ??? Reusable cups are now available at the All-You-Can-Eat Seats! After the game, they’ll be washed and sanitized at Bold Reuse’s Phoenix Metro Regional Wash Hub before being put back in play all season long! Other Chase Field sustainability wins: ?? 200+ recycling bins around the stadium ?? Staff uniforms made from recycled materials ?? Unused food is donated to those in need ADEQ helped bring the Wash Hub to life with a $208,000 grant through our Recycling Grants Program ?? azdeq.gov/recyclinggrants #DbacksOpeningDay #GoDbacks #AZRecycles #ADEQNews

??Event Cancellation Notice?? Because of conflicting events at the Arizona State Capitol, the upcoming Water Awareness Month Festival on April 5 has been canceled. Read the news ?? azdeq.gov/PR/WAM We apologize for any inconvenience, and look forward to seeing you in 2026! #WaterAwarenessMonthFestival #WAM #AZWater

Did you know some #AZ neighborhoods still use cesspools, even though they’ve been banned since 1976? Cesspools are old, unpermitted wastewater systems that can impact our groundwater and environment. ADEQ Community Liaisons Mannie B. and Lauren H. are working with counties like Yavapai and Mohave to identify areas with outdated wastewater systems and find solutions for cleaner, safer water. ?? Counties play a key role in advocating for communities that need infrastructure upgrades. #CleanWater #WastewaterSolutions #WaterQuality #AZWater

Congrats to SRP’s Government Hill Water Facility! ?? ADEQ Community Liaison Mannie B. presented them a Bronze Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP) for their dedication to providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable water – all while going above and beyond with environmental compliance ???? Their commitment not only protects Arizona’s environment but also helps save customers money. Learn more about the #VESP awards and how they recognize extraordinary commitment to environmental stewardship ?? azdeq.gov/VESP #EnvironmentalStewardship #Sustainability #AZ #AZWater

ADEQ’s Air Quality Flag Program just got a big upgrade, and we are inviting YOU to help raise awareness about #airquality in your community ?? ?????? Each flag tells a story about the air we breathe, empowering schools and communities to take action and protect their health. Want to help create a safer, healthier Arizona? Join the program today ?? azdeq.gov/FlagProgram #ADEQCommunity #AZAir #AZ #AZFlagProgram

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we’re celebrating the women of ADEQ, including Surface Water Protection Section Manager, Stacey Bilich, MS! Stacey credits two inspiring science teachers with shaping her career path – her 9th-grade biology teacher and her college geology professor! Their passion for science sparked her curiosity, leading her to shift from studying music to geology and ultimately pursue a career in environmental protection. She also draws inspiration from her mother, saying, “When I first became a manager, I looked to her as a leadership mentor—and I still do!” ?? Her advice to young women in this field: "Find your mentors. Find the people you admire and want to learn from, and ask them for their help. Regardless of gender, age, role in the organization, seniority - find the individuals who demonstrate something you want to emulate and ask them to mentor you on that specific skillset. Asking for help is a sign of intelligence and strength - go get what you need to succeed." ? Fun fact: When she isn’t working to protect Arizona’s surface waters, Stacey loves doing puzzles! ?? #ADEQCommunity #WHM2025 #HerStory

Way to go, Yuma County Tacna Transfer Station ?? ADEQ Community Liaison Gina B. presented them with a Bronze-Level Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP) award for their dedication to environmental responsibility and solid waste management ???? #VESP awards recognize exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship beyond legal requirements ?? azdeq.gov/VESP #VESP #EnvironmentalStewardship #Sustainability #AZ

We’ve seen some curious critters in our fieldwork, but this bear from 2016 takes the cake (or maybe the honey)! ?? ?? He tried to snap the perfect selfie, but ended up only to capturing his ears! He also accidentally deleted THREE months of ADEQ data. Oops! #NationalBearDay #AZWildlife #AZEnvironment