Prescott Valley staff present "Growing Water Smart" plan to cut water use, expand green infrastructure

Prescott Valley — Town staff on Wednesday described a coordinated “Growing Water Smart” effort to reduce potable water use across parks, streetscapes and new development and to expand green infrastructure and stormwater best practices.

John Jacobson, principal planner in Development Services, led the presentation and said the initiative pulls together work by development services, parks and recreation, public works and utilities as an intentional, interdisciplinary program. “Applied research and best sustainable practices significantly improve environmental conditions, economic stability, ecosystem services, and human health and culture,” Jacobson said. That statement framed staff recommendations and planned next steps.

The presentation covered four topic areas—design, manage, recharge and conserve—and applied those headings to vegetation and the built environment, parks and open space, green infrastructure and a conservation plan staff intends to draft for council adoption. Staff said the draft conservation plan will document current practices, evaluate irrigation and code, assess new technologies and identify incentives and funding partnerships.

Nick Grablowski, parks manager, described operations and day-to-day conservation measures in the…