The city of Prescott and the surrounding area suffered two very large storm events that each brought significant amounts of precipitation. The combined effects of these storms and thaws have greatly increased the flow of many creeks and creeks, including Granite Creek.

A sewer system designed to carry domestic and commercial sewage to two wastewater facilities was expanded to its maximum capacity with stormwater influx. City wastewater officials have continued to work to stop the flow from the sewers, but a manhole near Granite Creek has exceeded its capacity, causing the flow to leave the system and into the waterway. .

Granite Creek Park has been closed since Tuesday, with signs posted telling the public to stay away from the affected areas. Once the storm subsides, the crew will begin cleaning and disinfecting the affected area in accordance with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEDQ) standards and requirements. Some of the affected areas are not safe for members of the public or crew at this time.

Streets, low-water crosswalks and Granite Creek Park will be closed as the city’s storm mitigation efforts continue. We work with the state, ADEQ, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), and our partners in Yavapai County to ensure the public is safe from excessive surface water flow. occurs.

Drinking water supplies are unaffected. Prescott’s drinking water is part of a closed system and is safe to drink.

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

Here are some key messages in partnership with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

• Please do not enter, swim, swim or fish in the waterways of this area until further notice.
• Untreated wastewater from sewer overflows can be a health hazard. Sewer overflows carry pathogens, bacteria, and other compounds that pose risks to public health and the environment.
• Staff from the City of Prescott Public Works are on-site cleaning up and sampling. Vacuum trucks are collecting as many in-progress releases as possible to reduce the amount flowing into Granite Creek. The crew will remain on site overnight and/or until all manhole emissions have ceased. The park will remain closed to protect the public.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 928-777-1130.

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