City of Phoenix outlines roles and limits for Water Wrangler volunteers in Lesson 1 training

Lara Van Lyth, volunteer coordinator and water resource specialist for the City of Phoenix Water Services Department, opened Lesson 1 of the Phoenix Water Wrangler volunteer training with an overview of the program’s purpose and volunteer responsibilities. The training introduces volunteers to Phoenix water systems, outreach practices, and the department’s expectations for accuracy and safety.

The session explained why the program matters: Water Wranglers act as community representatives who can build trust, lower barriers to conservation information and encourage voluntary water-saving actions. "Wranglers function as community representatives for the City of Phoenix and sometimes act as change makers for water conservation topics," Van Lyth said.

Van Lyth outlined operational limits and conduct rules for volunteers. Wranglers are volunteers, not City of Phoenix employees; they are "not expected to be a water expert," and they are encouraged to tell members of the public when they do not know an answer. The training stresses transparency, accuracy and equity and directs volunteers to refer technical or unresolved questions to department staff.

The training also covered volunteer logistics: participation is optional, volunteers can sign up for events when available, and they may decline to speak with anyone who makes them uncomfortable. Van Lyth said staff will support volunteers by providing correct answers when needed.

The session signaled practical outreach roles: communicating with citizens, demonstrating conservation measures, sharing resources, and encouraging community members to adopt water-saving practices. Van Lyth encouraged volunteers to use department resources, including phoenix.gov/savewater, and to contact her by email with questions.

Lesson 1 concluded by previewing the next training module, which will cover water conservation topics in greater detail and practical outreach exercises for volunteers.