Water Conservation
The Town is currently developing a comprehensive analytical approach to water conservation within the service area. An analytical approach will allow the Town to target water conservation methods that have the highest benefit for the lowest cost.
To-date, Town residents have done an admirable job of conserving water. The Town’s overall per-capita use rate is less than 120 gallons per day, one of the lowest statewide among regulated municipalities. The challenge will be to maintain this low rate as the Town develops a larger job base and commercial sector.
The largest impact to the water system occurs between April and October when outdoor landscaping requires supplemental irrigation. The Town’s Utilities Department recaptures much of the water used in the home and reuses that water after treatment. However, water used outside typically evaporates and is lost. The best way to conserve water is to be careful about outdoor water use. Several tips on irrigation planning and low water landscaping can be found at the Arizona Department of Water Resources Conservation Programs, or receive a list of low water use plants specific for the Prescott Valley area.
Attractive low water use landscaping in Prescott Valley
The Town of Prescott Valley is actively pursuing several water conservation programs. To create an effective program for the community, the Town is putting into place several programs to lead by example. These Town programs include:
1. Water line leak detection surveys and repairs
2. System Optimization through computer-assisted management – this prevents overfilling of water tanks and over-pressurizing system delivery lines
3. Service line replacements
4. Meter replacements
5. Waterless urinals at the Civic Center
6. Town Parks Irrigation Audits and irrigation system performance enhancement
7. Effluent water use ordinance for golf courses
8. Participation in regional water conservation programs
9. Conservation incentive water rates
10. Pre-Rinse Spray Valves for food service facilities
11. Funding for Project WET (Water Education for Teachers)
12. ET-Based Irrigation Controller pilot program
13. Design and possible installation of a xeriscape/water harvesting demonstration garden at the new library
The Town is currently in the process of developing enhanced water conservation programs both on its own and in concert with the Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition (http://www.uvrwpc.org/). The Coalition is creating a regional water conservation program (report posted on website), while the Town looks to meet its unique water conservation goals as described in the Water Conservation Plan.