As defined by the ordinance, water waste includes: 

• Water not put to beneficial use 

• Any use of water in excess of what’s necessary to accomplish a task 

• Willfully or negligently permitting or causing the escape or flow of water 

• Failure or neglect to operate or maintain properly any water facility or device 

Examples of reportable water waste in Tempe: 

• Landscape irrigation runoff onto streets or sidewalks 

• Broken irrigation components or plumbing fixtures causing excessive water use or leaks 

• Allowing the non-functional, excess use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks, or malfunctions in the water user's water distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected 

As defined by the ordinance, water waste does NOT include: 

• Water uses that are necessary for protection of public health and safety 

• Flow resulting from fire fighting, maintenance of hydrants or fire fighter training activities 

• Water applied to abate spills of flammable or otherwise hazardous materials 

• Intentional washing of hard surfaces for an explicit public, health, safety, or sanitation purposes. 

• Water that reaches or flows onto adjacent property, public rights-of-way or easements or private easements when caused by vandalism by someone other than the property owner or occupant, wind, emergencies, or natural disasters 

• Water used in the installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of public facilities and structures 

• Storm run-off 

• Flow resulting from City water utility system inspections, maintenance, failures or malfunctions 

• Incidental runoff by vehicle washing (provided that a positive shut-off nozzle is used) 

• Periodic draining of swimming pools and spas