Dwindling water supply isn’t something any of us wants to see, but it’s affecting us directly in Prescott.

Anyone who owns a vacant residential tract within city limits may soon be competing with new developments for water supplies or could be required to use water imported from the Big Chino Water Ranch.

Under consideration is moving water originally set aside for vacant residential tracts into a general “pool,” giving other developers access to it. The City claims that few owners of vacant tracts have come forward to collect the set-aside water, so what’s the point in reserving it? Under a current proposal, the water would not be reallocated immediately, but phased out over several years.

It’s no secret the City has been struggling with its dwindling alternative-water supply. New developers seeking alternative water may also have to wait longer for project approval from the City Council. The Council will address this at a meeting on April 5.

City Councilman Steve Blair has suggested the city notify owners of vacant residential tracts that changes likely will be coming. Water issues are expected to be discussed during council meetings on April 5 and 19 and on May 3. The Water Issues Committee will discuss the matter again on April 12.

Please remember these meetings are public and input is generally encouraged.

The City’s draft Alternative Water Allocation Policy is available online here.