Big Idea

• After two very large recent storm events, the saturated ground is flooding
• This is causing the sewer system to back up in some areas of Prescott
• When the storm flows do subside, the crews will need to clean and disinfect affected areas
• Streets and low water crossings are also closed, but drinking water is safe and uncontaminated
• Read more..

Storm water flow and flooding are bringing possible contamination

PRESCOTT, AZ (March 22, 2023)-- The City of Prescott and the surrounding area have received two very large storm events that each produced large amounts of precipitation. The combined effect of these storms and snowmelt has greatly increased flows in many creeks and streams including Granite Creek. The sewer system that is designed to transport household and commercial sewerage to our two wastewater facilities has been stretched to its maximum capacity due to stormwater inflow.

City wastewater crews have been working continuously to stop any flow from leaving the sewer system, however manholes located near Granite Creek have exceeded their capacity and flow has left the system and entered into the waterway. Granite Creek Park has been closed since yesterday, and signs are posted to keep the public out of the impacted areas. When stormflows subside, crews will begin cleaning and disinfecting affected areas per Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEDQ) standards and requirements. Some of the affected areas are unsafe for the public or our crews to enter at this time.

As City storm mitigation operations continue, streets and low-water crossings will be closed as well as Granite Creek Park. We are working with our partners at the State, ADEQ, Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), and Yavapai County, to ensure that the public is safe from excessive surface water flows, and we will continue to respond and mitigate any situation as it arises.

Drinking water supplies have not been impacted. City of Prescott drinking water is part of a closed system and is safe to drink. 

The City will release further information as it becomes available.  This message and future updates will be made available on the city website at www.prescott-az.gov, and on the City’s social media https://www.facebook.com/cityofprescottaz Instagram @CityofPrescottAZ. 

 Here are some important messages in cooperation the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality: 

• Do not enter, wade, swim or fish in area waterways until further notice. 
• Untreated wastewater associated with sewer overflows can harm your health. Sewerage overflows carry pathogens, bacteria, and other compounds that pose a risk to public health and the environment.
• City of Prescott Public Works staff is on-scene conducting clean-up activities and sampling. Vacuum trucks are capturing as much of the ongoing release as possible to reduce the volume going into Granite Creek. Crews will remain on-site throughout the night and/or until the release from all manholes has stopped. The park will remain closed to protect the public. 

For more information contact: 

Public Works Department at

928-777-1130