Despite Prescott’s population growth and increased economic development, officials say less water is being used today than was more than a decade ago, painting a positive picture of Prescott’s long-term water supply. The good news was presented at a City Council work study session Tuesday by water expert, Gary Woodard. The study, prompted by Mayor Greg Mengarelli and City Manager Michael Lamar, is a comprehensive review of the city’s current water conditions. Mengarelli says since 2004, they’ve added 4,000 new water users but are using less water and wanted to know why this long-term trend occurred and how to continue the trajectory. Specific to Prescott, Woodard explained that those reasons include changing demographics including smaller households, more seasonal residents, fewer children and teens, active conservation efforts including drought-tolerant, low-water landscaping, use of more efficient fixtures and appliances in homes, and a robust recharge program including two municipal reservoirs. Woodard is currently finalizing his report and will present it to the city in the spring. Ultimately, the study is expected to guide discussions about the future of policy and infrastructure projects.
