Water Adequacy
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Most people won't see a problem in the short term, but that is not an excuse for inaction. The problem is that our water-dependent natural resources are drying up (Del Rio Springs) or are threatened (the Verde River). The problem is that we are pumping groundwater faster than it is being recharged, so we are depleting our water reserves. The problem is that wells in some areas are going dry or need deepening. We need to get our water budget in balance now, before we create an enormous and very expensive problem in the future. In the Prescott region, we get our water from an aquifer that is being over-drafted. How long the water supply lasts will depend on your water supply. See the questions above for more information. It is probably best to narrow your search to where you might want to live and then investigate the water supply for that location. Ask your potential water supplier about their well location, depth and the rate of decline, then ask some neighbors. Before you purchase a property with a domestic well, you should absolutely hire a local pump service company to test the well for flow, drawdown, and water quality. The AZ Dept of Water Resources may be able to provide specific information about individual wells and about overall declines. At our web site you will find an op-ed "How Long Will Our Water Last." Although it won't answer the question specifically, it describes the issue. Our web site has a lot of information about the water issues in our region, but it won't tell you about any specific location. Although for most people our potable water will last for some time, the declining water table is causing a steady loss of surface water flow and riparian habitat. Most CWAG board members are retired, live in or near the City of Prescott, and are not concerned about potable water supplies in the near term. They are vitally concerned about the water supply for people drawing water from the shallow parts of the aquifer, the continuing loss of riparian habitat, and the water supply for future generations.
Where does our water come from?
Surface water flowing into Watson Lake or Willow Lake is stored for recreational uses, but Prescott recharges certain amounts to the aquifer near the airport. A portion of the treated wastewaters (effluents) from Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley are also recharged to the aquifer. No surface water or effluent is directly sent to the municipal water distribution systems.What is the problem with water? I turn on the faucet and water comes out. The water bills are reasonable. I don’t see a problem!
I’m considering moving to Prescott soon, and I don’t want to move into an area with water problems. Should I be concerned about future water supply?
When will Prescott and Prescott Valley run out of water?
Small private water systems typically have less financial capability and as water tables fall may find it more difficult to maintain the required water quality and quantity. Their wells are typically located within their service area, not necessarily in the best spot.
For a more detailed answer, see our op-ed, "How Long Will Our Water Last." Although it won't answer the question specifically, it describes the issue. Our web site has a lot of information about the water issues in our region, but it won't tell you about any specific location.When will domestic well users in Chino Valley run out of water?
Groundwater levels in the Chino Valley area have been falling for decades. Typically, for a well that was drilled 50 years ago, the depth to water will have increased 80 - 100 feet. Domestic wells are now going dry on the margins of the AMA – on the southwestern and western margins of Little Chino Valley, plus at some homes along Williamson Valley Road. In Chino Valley near the highway, some long-established homes have needed to deepen or drill a new well.
Unless we begin to manage our water resources sustainably, the frequency of wells going dry will increase.What are our city officials doing to make sure we don’t run out of water?
The many community and private water providers in the Prescott region draw water from a common aquifer system. Consequently, we need a solution or plan that involves all of the many users and must address the fundamental issues of how much natural outflow to streams should be maintained and how much groundwater each water provider can safely pump. There are no expressed intentions to develop an area-wide plan.Won’t the proposed Big Chino pipeline project enable us to achieve safe yield and protect our rivers?
What is the status of the Big Chino pipeline project?
Are there other prospects for ensuring a long-term water supply?
Communities in the Prescott and Verde Valley regions are currently evaluating the results of the appraisal study. As of September 2014, it is not clear whether the communities will further investigate (Feasibility Study) any of the alternatives described in the appraisal level study.
In summary, all activities necessary to achieve a sustainable solution, whether it involves one or more water providers or is regional in scope should be developed in the context of an area-wide plan for the Prescott region. It should be comprehensive, fully described and documented and subject to public review. Until one is developed, we can’t be sure we will not run out of water.