Water conservation – using water efficiently and avoiding waste – is essential to ensure that the City of Prescott has adequate water today and into the future. Our groundwater is the lifeblood of our community; but is a finite resource, so we must use it wisely. Wise and efficient use of our water resources is up to all of us and it is as simple as making small changes. Make conserving water a daily part of your life. And remember, when you save water, you save energy and money!
Does the City of Prescott Conserve Water?
The City of Prescott water customers have been conserving water since 1893, when the City Council passed a resolution limiting water use for irrigation and businesses. Since then, due to community water conservation habits, the city has been resilient during the many dry times that are a common occurrence in Arizona.
- In 1981, the city created an Energy and Resource Task Force whose accomplishments included development of a low-water use native plant list suitable for the Prescott area.
- In 1982, the city adopted a Water Conservation Code to establish maximum flow rates for plumbing fixtures and other devices to conserve water.
- In 1987, the Water Conservation Code was amended to restrict the filling of artificial lakes with potable water.
- In 1990, the city decided to read water meters on a monthly basis, as opposed to quarterly, to promote water conservation.
- In 1992, the city implemented the Water Conservation Incentive Program to provide rebates to customers for water conservation efforts, prohibited the use of spray fountains, and declared it unlawful to allow potable water to be used for irrigation or be allowed to flow in the streets.
- In 2006, the Water Conservation Code was amended to change outdoor watering times during summer months and the city adopted tiered rate structure (lower rates for less water use, higher rates for greater water use).
Does Water Conservation Really Work?
In 2006, the City of Prescott, through a citizen committee, increased water conservation efforts and has seen big water saving results! Since 2006, the total groundwater pumped to serve water customer needs has reduced each year, even with a growing population. In fact, since 2006, the Water Conservation Rebate program has supported over 2,500 citizen conservation efforts that have resulted in an estimated water savings of 917 acre feet and counting! These savings include over 500,000 square feet of turf removal, the installation of almost 2,000 low flow toilets, and the installation of almost 18,000 gallons of rainwater harvesting capacity, to name just a few.
What Can I Do?
Water conservation is the responsibility of everybody, because every drop counts! Did you know that during the summer months, water use almost triples due to outdoor water use? Even as we approach fall, practicing a low water-use lifestyle outdoors significantly reduces water use but also saves money, reduces runoff and is a fun way to create your own unique yard. Visit www.prescottwatersmart.com to explore beautiful garden galleries with examples of local front and back yard landscapes and plant recommendations that work best for our climate. Plus, you’ll find resources for landscape design, irrigation and maintenance. And don’t forget to check out the Water Conservation rebate program for big savings on water conservation! QCBN
Annikki Chamberlain is the water resource coordinator for the City of Prescott.
Leave a Reply