Phoenix needs more bottled water to help battle summer heat
Jun 21, 2018, 11:04 AM | Updated: 1:43 pm
(Courtesy Photo/Phoenix)
(Courtesy Photo/Phoenix)
PHOENIX — Phoenix needs more water, and it has nothing to do with the lack of rain.
The city’s program to keep vulnerable citizens hydrated during the hot summer months is running low on bottled water. Around 250,000 bottles have been handed out since May.
“We can definitely use maybe three times of that. Our supply is not meeting the demand at this time,” Briselda Rodriguez, community initiative specialist for the Phoenix Human Services Department, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday.
Small bottled water donations can be made at the city’s senior or family service centers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.
To make a large water donation or give cash to the cause, contact the city at 602-534-0543.
Rodriguez said the water collected is distributed through the city by nonprofit organizations and houses of worship.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 219 people died from heat-associated causes around the state last year, with nearly 1,300 heat-caused deaths statewide during the decade from 2005 to 2015.
The city also provides indoor locations for residents to escape the summer heat.
“Along with distributing water to the community, the city does have several hydration and cooling stations,” Rodriguez said.
“Hydration stations are where anyone can come in and request water, and cooling stations are where anyone in the public can come in during hours of operation to get out of the heat.”
The hydration and cooling stations are located at libraries and senior or family service centers.
For more information, including a map of station locations, visit phoenix.gov/pio/summer/heat.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
