A mix of clouds and sun. A stray severe thunderstorm is possible. High 106F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

A few thunderstorms this evening. Mostly clear skies late. Low 83F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.

As Arizonans continue to hear more about the water shortage, it is important that Peoria residents have the facts. Declining water levels in Lake Mead, which serves as the water reservoir for the Lower Colorado River Basin, have already triggered a Tier 1 shortage declaration. Peoria has prepared for drought conditions for many years and has plans in place should those conditions worsen. Currently, about 34% of Peoria’s water supply is from the Colorado River/CAP Canal and the city uses 61% of its available CAP supply, storing the rest underground.

Request a water conservation kit

In an effort to try to assist its residents in saving water, the city of Peoria is offering water conservation kits. They can be requested through the city’s sustainability program. The kit includes a WaterSense showerhead, high-efficiency faucet aerators, a kitchen swivel aerator, a garden hose nozzle, and educational material on how to find and fix leaks at home. The kits are free to Peoria water customers and are limited to one kit per household.

Kits can be requested at form.jotform.com/221666854334158.

Peoria Firefighter Charities hosts drive-thru backpack event

With back-to-school time quickly approaching, Peoria Firefighters Charities is hosting its second-annual drive-thru backpack event to help students prepare for the school year. The event, which is on Saturday, Aug. 6, will take place at the Peoria Sports Complex located at 16101 N. 83rd Avenue.

The backpack drive begins at 8 a.m. and will continue until supplies last. The backpacks and supplies are available for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and students must be present to receive a backpack.

Visit the renovated Peoria Main Library

Recently, the Peoria Main Library underwent some building and technology upgrades. Located at 8463 W. Monroe Street, the Peoria Main Library got a new computer system at the service desks, a new podcast studio, public art and a new outdoor courtyard.

The new computer system includes self-service stations that make checking out and returning books easier for patrons. The podcast studio has new audio equipment and tools for residents to try for free. Additionally, the courtyard has a prickly pear gate, a garden, sensory panels and artificial turf.

During a visit to the main library, patrons can also view the Reading Rhino sculpture, which is a new public art sculpture installed by INFLUX, an organization that provides opportunities for Arizona artists to create site-specific art installations in a wide variety of locations.

Visit a Heat Relief Station in Peoria

In its partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments, the city of Peoria is offering cooling center and hydration station locations open Monday through Saturday until Friday, Sept. 30. These stations are self-service and inside the following city buildings.

8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday

5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday