Prescott Valley eyes $400,000-a-year conservation programme
Town of Prescott Valley, Arizona · Meeting date: November 5, 2026 · Published: November 6, 2026
Prescott Valley is weighing an enhanced water-conservation programme projected to save more than 2,000 acre-feet annually in later years, as it prepares for tighter state water-management requirements. The proposed programme would be reflected in a forthcoming utility rate review.
Key points
- Consultant Maddaus Water Management recommended an “Innovative and Enhanced” conservation scenario over a rebates-only alternative and a maximum-savings option.
- The recommended scenario would average about $400,000 a year in utility spending, rising to about $500,000 in later years, according to the presentation.
- Measures include enhanced public outreach, large-irrigator consultations and water budgets, efficient fixtures and irrigation controllers in new development, low-income repair assistance and commercial water surveys.
- The scenario is projected to deliver 2,000-2,500 acre-feet of annual savings in later years; the final strategic plan is due in April 2027 after a March public-comment draft.
Full report
Prescott Valley is considering a major expansion of its water-conservation programme, with the consultant leading its Water Conservation Strategic Plan recommending a package expected to require average utility spending of about $400,000 a year and deliver more than 2,000 acre-feet of annual savings in later years.
The preferred “Innovative and Enhanced” scenario is one of four modelled by Maddaus Water Management. It would build on the Town’s current measures: advanced metering infrastructure, water-loss management, public education, tiered rates and requirements for on-demand hot-water systems in homes.
The enhanced scenario would add more public education and outreach, consultations and water budgets for large irrigation customers, high-efficiency fixtures and irrigation controllers in new development, low-income repair assistance and commercial water surveys. It also includes selected incentive measures assessed through the planning process.
The consultant contrasted the recommended programme with a scenario that would retain current measures and add rebates similar to those offered in neighbouring Prescott. Those rebates were modelled for toilets, urinals, rainwater harvesting, turf replacement and spray-nozzle upgrades. The consultant said the enhanced option was more cost-effective, while a fourth, maximum-savings programme would cost more without materially increasing projected savings.
By 2030, the consultant put direct staff and measure costs for the recommended programme at about $120,000 and $330,000 respectively. In later years, annual programme spending would rise to roughly $500,000, with savings estimated at 2,000-2,500 acre-feet annually. The presentation indicated that cumulative savings could reach about 2,500 acre-feet by 2050.
The plan is being developed amid anticipated tightening water-use and conservation requirements from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Town staff said the conservation programme’s costs will be incorporated into an upcoming utility rate review, linking the strategic plan to future decisions on water rates.
A draft plan is scheduled for public comment in March 2027, followed by finalisation in April 2027.
This summary was generated by AI based on the source document and may contain errors.
Source: Town Council Study Session, Town of Prescott Valley