Phoenix Water Services Leadership, Rate Advisory Committee, Director Role and Utility Management
If you are searching for the Phoenix Water Department director, board, management team, rate committee, customer service number, emergency hotline or official oversight process, this guide explains how the City of Phoenix Water Services Department is led, how advisory rate review works, and where customers can find official contacts and decisions.
Phoenix Water Department searches often mean different things. Some users want the current director. Some want the “board” or rate committee. Others want customer service, emergency reporting, water rates, rate hearings, City Council oversight, department management or official contact details.
In Phoenix, Water Services is a City department, not a private utility corporation with a board of directors. The key leadership figure is the Water Services Director, while the Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee acts as a board-style public advisory body for rate and fee matters.
👤 Current Phoenix Water Services Director
Use this for: current director name, director background, recent leadership transition and official appointment information.
Key fact: Brandy Kelso became the Water Services Director after Troy Hayes’ retirement took effect on August 15, 2025.
Best action: use the official Phoenix newsroom release and Water Services Department page for current department leadership information.
Phoenix Water Services Department Quick Facts for 2026
The City of Phoenix Water Services Department provides water and wastewater service for one of the largest desert cities in the United States. Phoenix says the department has served the community for over 100 years and provides tap water to more than 1.7 million customers.
The current Water Services Director is Brandy Kelso. The official city announcement says she has more than two decades of engineering and utility experience, served Phoenix since 2003, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Arizona.
What This Phoenix Water Leadership and Management Guide Covers
Who Is the Phoenix Water Services Department Director in 2026?
The current Phoenix Water Services Department Director is Brandy Kelso. The City of Phoenix announced her appointment as the next director after Troy Hayes announced his retirement. The official release said Hayes’ retirement took effect on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The City described Kelso as a leader with more than two decades of engineering and utility experience. Her recent leadership roles included Assistant Water Services Director and Interim Director of the Street Transportation Department. She has served the City of Phoenix since 2003.
Current director
Brandy Kelso leads Phoenix Water Services after the 2025 leadership transition.
Department leadershipProfessional background
The City says Kelso is a licensed Professional Engineer in Arizona with civil engineering degrees from ASU.
Technical utility leadershipWater Services Director: leads department strategy, operations, customer service, utility planning and long-term water management.
Utility background: more than two decades of engineering and utility experience, according to the City’s announcement.
Since 2003: the official announcement says Kelso has served the City of Phoenix since 2003.
Planning and conservation: the City points to water system planning, hydraulic modeling, drought preparedness and conservation work.
Phoenix Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee: The Key Board-Style Body
The official Phoenix board page lists the Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee as a board. It acts as an advisory body to the City Manager and City Council on water rate and fee structure.
This committee is important because Phoenix water customers often search for “board” when they want to know who reviews rate increases, budget impacts, capital improvement costs and utility fee changes. The committee does not replace the department director or the City Council, but it plays a formal advisory role in rate-related decisions.
| Committee detail | Official information | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee | This is the main advisory board-style body for rate and fee questions. |
| Purpose | Advises City Manager and City Council on water rate and fee structure | Helps review and recommend rate-related changes. |
| Review duties | Capital Improvement Program, revenue requirements, O&M budget impacts | Connects infrastructure and operations costs with future rates. |
| Meeting frequency | Four times per year at 200 W. Washington | Customers can track public governance activity. |
| Contact | Kelly Patterson, 602-261-8366 | Official contact listed on the board page. |
Current Phoenix Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee Members
The official board page lists nine current members and zero vacancies. Members are Phoenix water users nominated by the Mayor and appointed by City Council. They serve without compensation for three-year terms.
| Position | Member name | Listed role context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Henrietta Andersson | Current member listed on official board page |
| 2 | Jay Cantor | Current member listed on official board page |
| 3 | Margaret Garcia | Current member listed on official board page |
| 4 | Karen Loschiavo | Current member listed on official board page |
| 5 | Joe Murphy | Current member listed on official board page |
| 6 | Martin Shultz | Current member listed on official board page |
| 7 | Dave White | Current member listed on official board page |
| 8 | Joseph Widoff | Current member listed on official board page |
| 9 | Damon Williams | Current member listed on official board page |
What Phoenix Water Services Department Management Handles
Phoenix Water Services is responsible for much more than a monthly water bill. It manages drinking water, wastewater, customer service, conservation, infrastructure, water resources planning, water quality and long-term reliability in a desert city with major drought and Colorado River supply considerations.
The City says Phoenix Water serves more than 1.7 million customers and emphasizes safe, reliable tap water, conservation, infrastructure and long-term water security. The official leadership announcement also highlights drought-resilient infrastructure, reuse initiatives and future water planning.
Safe and reliable tap water service for homes and businesses.
Wastewater service, treatment and system planning.
Pipes, plants, stations, mains, hydrants and long-term capital work.
Water-saving programs, desert-smart practices and demand reduction.
Rate structures that fund operations, maintenance and capital needs.
Billing support, account help, emergency reporting and service information.
How Phoenix Water Rates Connect to Management and the Advisory Committee
Phoenix water rates are not only about the amount customers pay each month. Rates connect to infrastructure, raw water costs, treatment, environmental requirements, operations, maintenance, drought preparedness and long-term reliability.
The official Water and Sewer Rates page explains that Phoenix water rates include three main components: monthly fixed service charge, volume charges and environmental charges. It also says current rate schedules are tied to reliable drinking water, long-term projects and keeping water moving during shortages along the Colorado River.
Department identifies operational and capital needs
Water Services reviews system needs such as treatment, pipeline work, drought planning, wastewater operations and customer service requirements.
Rate impacts are reviewed
The Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee reviews CIP, revenue requirements and O&M budget impacts as they affect future water and wastewater rates.
Recommendations move through city process
The committee may recommend water or wastewater rate and fee adjustments through the City Manager to the City Council.
Customers can track official rate pages
Use the official Water and Sewer Rates page for current schedules and rate details.
Customer Service vs Department Leadership: Who Should You Contact?
Most customers do not need the director’s office for routine issues. Billing, account, water/sewer/trash city services bill questions and service support should start with customer service. Emergencies should go directly to the emergency hotline.
| Your issue | Best contact | Why this is the better route |
|---|---|---|
| Bill, payment or account question | 602-262-6251 | Customer Service handles Water/Sewer/Trash/City Services Bill questions. |
| Water emergency | 602-261-8000 | This is the 24/7 hotline listed by Phoenix Water. |
| Rate structure question | Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee resources | This committee reviews rate and fee structure issues. |
| Current rate schedule | Water and Sewer Rates page | The official rate page lists current water and sewer rate schedules. |
| Department leadership research | Official Phoenix newsroom and Water Services pages | These are the most reliable sources for director and management updates. |
Phoenix Water Services Phone Numbers, Hours and City Hall Address
The official Water Services page lists Customer Service at 602-262-6251, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It also lists the 24/7 water emergency hotline at 602-261-8000.
| Need | Official detail | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Customer service | 602-262-6251 | Call for billing, account and normal service support. |
| Customer service hours | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Use for routine Water/Sewer/Trash/City Services Bill questions. |
| Water emergency | 602-261-8000 | Use for urgent water emergency issues, 24/7. |
| City Hall | 200 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 | Use for city government and meeting location reference. |
| Main city phone | 602-262-3111 | Use if you need the broader City of Phoenix phone directory or city contact routing. |
Phoenix Water Emergency Hotline and When to Use It
Phoenix lists the 24/7 water emergency hotline as 602-261-8000. Use this number for urgent water issues instead of the normal customer service line.
Call the emergency hotline quickly.
Report exact location and visible hazards.
Say whether water is affecting homes or businesses.
Provide address, cross street and landmark.
Mention road, electrical or public safety concerns.
Give your phone number for follow-up if needed.
Why Phoenix Water Management Matters in a Desert City
Phoenix water leadership is important because the city manages water in a desert environment while planning around growth, drought, infrastructure age, Colorado River conditions, conservation and customer affordability.
The official Phoenix Water page says the department has a 100-year assured water supply and emphasizes reliable tap water, infrastructure and customer care. The leadership announcement also highlights drought-resilient infrastructure and reuse initiatives as important department priorities.
Long-term supply: management decisions must account for Colorado River conditions, local supplies and conservation.
Capital work: pipelines, treatment plants, reclamation facilities and system reliability are major management priorities.
Funding: rates support operations, maintenance, environmental compliance and future infrastructure.
Customer behavior: rebates, smart irrigation, grass removal and leak prevention can reduce demand and costs.
Who Makes Decisions for Phoenix Water Services?
Phoenix Water Services decisions involve several layers. The director manages the department. The advisory committee reviews rate and fee matters. The City Manager and City Council are involved in formal city governance, recommendations and final public actions where required.
Department leadership manages operations
The Water Services Director and department management oversee service delivery, utility planning, customer service, water quality, infrastructure and conservation programs.
Advisory committee reviews rate impacts
The Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee reviews rate-related financial and operational impacts and makes recommendations.
City Manager receives recommendations
The committee recommends water and wastewater rate and fee adjustments through the City Manager to the City Council.
City Council handles formal decisions
Final city-level policy and rate decisions may involve public City Council action and official city documentation.
What to Ask Based on Your Phoenix Water Issue
Before calling or emailing, decide if your issue is about leadership research, rate policy, an individual bill, service emergency or public meeting information. The right question saves time.
| Your goal | Ask this | Best route |
|---|---|---|
| Find the current director | “Who is the current Water Services Director?” | Official newsroom and Water Services pages |
| Understand rate increases | “Where is the current rate schedule and advisory committee information?” | Rates page + Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee page |
| Ask about a bill | “My account number is __ and I need help with my City Services Bill.” | Customer Service, 602-262-6251 |
| Report an emergency | “There is a water emergency at this exact location.” | Emergency hotline, 602-261-8000 |
| Attend or track committee meetings | “When is the next Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee meeting?” | Official Phoenix boards page and city meeting notices |
Phoenix City Hall and Water Advisory Committee Meeting Location
The official board page says the Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee meets at 200 W. Washington four times per year. Phoenix City Hall is listed at 200 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003.
Phoenix City Hall
Use this map for City Hall and the committee meeting location reference. Always verify the latest meeting notice before attending.
Official Phoenix Water Services Director, Board and Management Resources
Use official City of Phoenix pages for leadership, board, rate and customer service information. These links are the safest starting points for director details, committee membership, water rates, customer accounts and emergency reporting.
Water Services Department
Main department page for customer service, emergency hotline, water programs, conservation, water quality and official resources.
Open Water ServicesDirector Appointment News
Official city announcement about Troy Hayes’ retirement and Brandy Kelso’s appointment as Water Services Director.
Open AnnouncementRate Advisory Committee
Official board page for description, contact, meeting frequency, composition and member list.
Open Committee PageWater and Sewer Rates
Current water and sewer rate information, service charge, volume charges and environmental charges.
Open Rate PagePay City Services Bill
Official Phoenix payment portal for water, sewer, trash and other City Services Bill payments.
Open Payment PortalReport an Issue
Official MyPHX311 reporting route for non-emergency city service issues.
Open MyPHX311Phoenix Water Services Director, Board and Management FAQs
Who is the Phoenix Water Services Department Director in 2026?
The current Phoenix Water Services Department Director is Brandy Kelso. The City announced her as Troy Hayes’ successor after his retirement took effect on August 15, 2025.
Did Troy Hayes retire from Phoenix Water Services?
Yes. The City of Phoenix announced that Troy Hayes retired after more than 20 years of public service, and Brandy Kelso was appointed as the next Water Services Director.
Does Phoenix Water Services have a board of directors?
Phoenix Water Services is a City department, not a private corporation with a corporate board of directors. The relevant board-style public body for rate matters is the Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee.
What does the Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee do?
It advises the City Manager and City Council on water rate and fee structure, reviews the department’s capital improvement program, revenue requirements and operations and maintenance budget impacts, and may recommend rate and fee adjustments.
How many members are on the Phoenix Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee?
The official board page lists a maximum of nine members, nine current members and zero vacancies. Members are Phoenix water users nominated by the Mayor and appointed by City Council.
Where does the Phoenix Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee meet?
The official board page says the committee meets at 200 W. Washington four times per year.
What is the Phoenix Water customer service phone number?
Call 602-262-6251 for Phoenix Water customer service. The official page lists customer service hours as Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What is the Phoenix water emergency number?
For a Phoenix water emergency, call the 24/7 emergency hotline at 602-261-8000.
Where can I find Phoenix water rates?
Use the official Water and Sewer Rates page. It explains monthly service charges, water volume charges, environmental charges and current rate schedules.
Who should I contact for a billing problem instead of the director?
For normal billing, payment or account questions, call Phoenix customer service at 602-262-6251. The director and advisory committee are not the first route for individual account problems.
Best Way to Understand Phoenix Water Services Leadership in 2026
The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is led by Director Brandy Kelso. For rate and fee oversight, the most important public advisory body is the Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee, which reviews rate-related financial impacts and advises the City Manager and City Council.
For customer problems, use customer service at 602-262-6251. For urgent water emergencies, use the 24/7 hotline at 602-261-8000. For director, board, rate and management research, use the official Phoenix Water Services, city newsroom, boards and rates pages.