The Town of Prescott Valley, in partnership with the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe, has been awarded a $714,000 grant for an innovative Rainwater Harvesting for Aquifer Recharge project. The grant money comes from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona Water Conservation Grant Fund.
Rainwater harvesting captures stormwater from rooftops and directs it into the ground for long-term aquifer storage, an efficient use of a supply that is often underutilized.
Prescott Valley’s project will pay for installation of rainwater harvesting systems at six buildings owned by the Town and the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, including the Prescott Valley Library, Police Department, Civic Center, and Wheelhouse Sports Complex, along with two buildings owned by the Tribe.
“The Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe is excited to get this project going with the Town of Prescott Valley. This work is a valuable addition to our environmental stewardship,” said Tribal Planner Peter Bourgois.
Rainwater Harvesting for Aquifer Recharge is an innovative approach versus the traditional method to harvest rainwater. This method uses a concept that directs stormwater precipitation into the ground for long-term aquifer storage. Instead of attempting to capture rainwater in barrels or cisterns, this approach uses available storage capacity in the aquifer, capturing and recharging rainwater to offset groundwater overdraft from pumping. These systems do not require complex installation and require very little maintenance once installed.
“This project is an important part of our overall plan to infiltrate stormwater in an effort to achieve Safe Yield in the Prescott Active Management Area. The Town is taking a holistic approach to responsibly manage water and balance our aquifer,” Water Resources Advisor Tracy Lund said.
The Prescott Valley rainwater harvesting project supports the Town’s current effort to develop a comprehensive municipal stormwater plan. These projects will be engineered and constructed starting in fall 2024.
For more information on Prescott Valley’s Rainwater Harvesting for Aquifer Recharge project, please call the Prescott Valley Utilities Department at 928-759-3070.
