How water moves through the city:
1 | STORMWATER MANAGEMENT RUNOFF
Rainfall and snow melt in our mountains and cities contribute stormwater to storm drains and creeks. This is called runoff. Eventually it enters our lakes and fills them up.
2 | RESERVOIRS
Surface water from Watson and Willow Lakes is sent to a recharge facility near the regional airport where it percolates into our local groundwater aquifer.
3 | GROUND WATER
Ground water is pumped from wells north of the City and delivered to storage tanks at the City’s Production Facility. Water from wells near the regional airport is pumped to storage tanks also.
4 | WATER TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION
From the City’s Water Production Facility and other storage tanks, high-powered pumps push water to Prescott through water mains. Clean, potable water is delivered to our homes and businesses.
5 | WATER USE AND CONSERVATION
The water we use in our homes is a precious resource, and it’s important to conserve it! Many tips on this webpage explain how best to do just that!
6 | WASTEWATER COLLECTION
Once water leaves your home, it enters the sewer system and is piped to one of two City wastewater treatment plants. One is centrally located in town, and the other is near the airport.
7 | WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Wastewater that flows to wastewater treatment plants is “reclaimed.” This means it is treated to a high standard of quality to remove solids and impurities.
8 | REUSE, RECHARGE, & RECOVERY
Reuse: Some effluent is sent to three golf courses in the City, and to one industrial user. Since the early 1960s, City-owned Antelope Hills Golf Course has been receiving effluent.
Recharge: Most effluent is stored in shallow basins, where it infiltrates (sinks) through pore spaces below ground and eventually reaches the aquifer below.
Recovery: Some of the City’s effluent is “banked” for future recovery.
The recharged water will either recharge the aquifer or be recovered for use, starting the Prescott Water Cycle all over again!!