Hello Prescott, and welcome to this week’s Community Update.

Today, I’m coming to you from Watson Lake, one of Prescott’s most iconic natural spaces and an important part of our community’s water and environmental system.

Spending time outdoors is part of what makes Prescott such a special place to live, and it’s also a reminder of the responsibility we share to protect and consider our natural resources—now and for future generations.

I want to start with a few upcoming items to be aware of.

In observance of Presidents Day, City offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, and will reopen Tuesday morning.

This weekend, Prescott will also be the first stop for a special statewide event. A replica of the Liberty Bell will be on public display as part of the Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum, which is beginning its tour right here in our community.

The display will be located in front of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce:

Saturday, February 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

An opening ceremony will take place Saturday at 10:00 a.m., featuring remarks from Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, along with state and local leaders.

The traveling museum includes historical displays, interactive elements, and activities for all ages. You can find full event details at america250az.org/events and experienceprescott.com.

Looking ahead to our next City Council meeting:

Council will meet with a Study Session beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Voting Meeting.

During the Study Session, Council will receive a presentation and discussion on the City of Prescott Special Events Funding Policy.

During the Voting Meeting, Council will consider several items, including:

Approval of multiple actions related to the City’s lease of the Rodeo and Fairgrounds with Prescott Frontier Days
Approval of a contract amendment with Kimley-Horn and Associates for final design services related to the Effluent and Wastewater Pipeline and State Route 89 Improvements Project

As always, meeting agendas, packets, and viewing options are available on the City’s website.

Being here at Watson Lake is also a great opportunity to talk about how the City monitors and manages the health of our lakes.

I’m joined today by Matt Killeen, from the City’s Environmental Services team, who works closely on lake health, water quality, and long-term sustainability efforts.

Matt is here to share an overview of the City’s work through the Healthy Lakes Program and what residents should know about current conditions and upcoming discussions.

Interview with Matt Killeen, Environmental Program Manager

Healthy Lakes Program

Include a mention of why swimming is not allowed in the lakes
Funded by the Aquifer Protection Fee
Focuses on monitoring, maintenance, and treatment of all four City lakes:
Upper and Lower Goldwater Lakes, Willow Creek Reservoir, and Watson Lake

Participate Prescott – Surface Water Quality Dashboard

Publicly available results, treatment updates, and advisories
Includes a Q&A section for lake users

Watson Lake (approximately 2 feet low)

Circulators in place
Phosphorus treatments and weed mowing
Positive monitoring results so far, with additional treatment planned for spring

Willow Lake (approximately 15 feet low)

Low water levels continue
Public meeting scheduled for February 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the Adult Center on Rosser
Meeting will focus on developing a long-term management plan

Upper Goldwater Lake (approximately 8 feet low)

Low water persists
Solar-powered aerator purchased and scheduled for installation this spring
Additional phosphorus treatment planned

Lower Goldwater Lake (approximately 6 feet low)

Currently catch-and-release fishing only
Anticipated spring and summer treatments to address muck buildup

Thank you, Matt, for that overview and for the work you and the Environmental Services team do to protect these important resources.

And thank you to everyone who continues to stay informed, participate in public discussions, and take an active role in our community.

We appreciate your engagement, and we’ll see you next time with another Community Update.