Questions about water and its availability prompted the City of Prescott, through its Water Resource Management office, to offer water education programs for residents.
The classes begin Feb. 21 and will continue through the year on the third Wednesday of every month. All programs are free and will be at the Prescott Public Library.
Below is list of topics:
- Feb. 21 – Prescott’s Urban Water Cycle. Water delivered through 500 miles of pipeline.
- March 21 – How A Watershed Works. Complex watershed provides water to Prescott area users.
- April 18 – Prescott’s Water History. Historic-through-contemporary sources for water since 1864.
- May 16 – Conservation — How to and Why. Average daily water use is 122 gallons of water per person. June 20 – Outdoor Conservation. Being wise, saving water uses for outdoor purposes.
- July 18 – Understanding a Water Bill. Why does water seem expensive?
- August 15 – Water Resource Management. What water resource management plans include.
- September 19 – Big Chino Water Ranch. City-owned Big Chino Water Ranch and its role.
- October 17 – Water for new residential and commercial developments. How water needs are determined and administered.
- November 21 – Groundwater. City’s long-term commitment to water users.
- December 19 – Summary of education series. Review of Water Smart program.
Prefacing the program announcement, Prescott City Manager Michael Lamar said identifying safe-water supplies actually originated in the mid-1860s, when Prescott and the surrounding area were being claimed by territorial settlers and the military.
“These monthly events are free to the public,” he said. “We hope you learn something new each time you join us.”
Water Resources Manager Leslie Graser defined what is meant by “water smart” during an hourlong program at the Prescott City Library in mid-January. “We, with the city, want to be as transparent in letting residents know about our water supply, our conservation efforts and what we view as future issues, which involve water,” Graser said.
She continued, “We view this project as a major community education initiative. In fact, we’re working with Stacy DeVeau, program coordinator from the University of Arizona and her cooperative extension office in Yavapai County, to visit schools and provide water education to K-12 students.”
Graser and Leah Hubbard, city water resource coordinator, also explained the rebate program the city has for those who install approved new toilets, washers and other water-user appliances. That program has rebated almost $475,000 to qualified applicants.
“Sensible water use and proactive water conservation will be for the benefit of everyone,” Graser said.
