Sierra Vista, Arizona — While counties across Arizona need to think about ways to conserve water and act quickly, Cochise County officials say the county’s preventative measures are paying off.

“These rules have been in place for the last 20 years, so everyone here knows that saving water is important,” said Cochise County Development Services Director Dan Coxworth.

The effort to conserve water began decades ago with the interests of the San Pedro River as the top priority.

There was a need to protect the unique wildlife that called this area home.

Protecting the river also protects one of the Sierra Vista’s greatest economic drivers, Fort Huachuca.

“For more than 30 years, the city has been a leader in responsible water management,” said Matt McLachlan, Community Development Director for the City of Sierra Vista. Not for environmental health, but for our economic future. “

In order to maintain and secure water in the county for the long term, both the city and the county limit the use of water by construction companies and residents.

New housing developments must demonstrate that they have a 100-year water supply to support their homes. Coxworth said water restrictions are not deterring developers from coming to the area and building homes.

Residents of Sierra Vista City have their own rules to follow, such as no lawn in front yards. The city is leading by example with rainwater harvesting at City Hall. They are also installing irrigation systems on new sports fields to help with conservation efforts.

“Despite a 27% increase in population, the city has used less water in recent years than it did at the turn of the century,” McLachlan said.

Both Coxworth and McLachlan said the county and city are well positioned to meet current and future needs with regard to water supplies.