Understanding the Gary Woodard Water Report

A Simple Summary for Prescott Residents

(Based on the October 2025 update prepared for Prescott Truth)

What the Report Is

Water expert Gary Woodard, who has advised the city since 2018, reviewed the city’s current and future water supply and demand to determine whether it still has enough water to support responsible growth.

His first model (finished 2020) projected water use through 2030.

In 2025, he was asked to check if those forecasts still hold up — they do.

Main Takeaway

- Prescott’s water supply and demand remain in balance — and may even be trending slightly toward surplus.

Water use per person keeps declining due to conservation, efficient homes, and changing habits.

Key Findings in Plain Terms

1. Water Supply: Still Steady

  • Prescott’s water sources — rain, reservoirs, reclaimed water, and wells — haven’t changed since 2020.

  • Even though drought and hotter weather continue, the long-term supply outlook is stable.

  • Climate change brings more intense rain events, which helps refill reservoirs.

2. Water Demand: Flat or Falling

  • Prescott has grown more than expected since 2010, but new homes use far less water.

  • Smaller households (fewer people per home) and older demographics reduce overall use.

  • Outdoor watering makes up less than 8% of total water use city-wide.

  • Leaks and system losses are below 7%, better than state averages.

  • COVID-era increases in home water use were temporary; demand has since returned to trend.

3. Conservation & Efficiency

  • Modern fixtures, efficient washers, low-flow toilets, and drought-tolerant landscaping have made Prescott one of the most water-efficient cities in Arizona.

  • There’s still room to do more if needed — e.g., reducing turf, improving irrigation, and upgrading older homes on septic systems.

4. Options if More Savings Are Needed

  • Woodard outlines several practical ways to free up additional water:

  • Cut outdoor watering (≈ 380 acre-feet / year).

  • Make golf courses more efficient (≈ 120 AFY).

  • Fix customer-side leaks (≈ 110 AFY).

  • Upgrade or connect septic homes to sewer (≈ 500 AFY).

Bottom Line

  • Prescott’s per-household water use continues to decline.

  • The city’s water resources are stable, secure, and sustainable through 2030 and beyond.

  • If future needs arise, dozens of policy tools exist to ensure supply stays ahead of demand.

Why It Matters

This analysis confirms that Prescott can plan and grow responsibly without jeopardizing its water future — provided it continues smart conservation and careful management.

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