Our Water, Our Future: Arizona’s Water Plan

Apr 23, 2017

One of the most common concerns expressed by homebuyers that are interested in moving to Arizona from out of state is the availability of water. For some homebuyers, like those moving from California, the concerns are frequently grounded in their experiences with water usage restrictions due to the recent drought. For those that have been unaffected by drought, the concerns tend to be of an environmental nature or based on the general perception of Arizona as a naturally hot and dry place. The fact of the matter is that Arizona is a warm climate that experiences very few rainy days. It’s also a state that is very conscious of its water use. This is why, in 1973, Arizona passed a Statewide Water Adequacy statute that required disclosure of water availability in real estate transactions.

Carrying that mission further, the Arizona Department of Water Resources established the Groundwater Code and Assured Water Supply Program in 1980. In practical terms, the Assured Water Supply Program requires that developers demonstrate the availability of water for the next 100 years in 5 Active Management Areas, including the Prescott area. In fact, in order to gain the approval of a subdivision by cities, towns, and counties or to obtain authorization to sell lots, developers have to show that they are in compliance with this program. In order to adequately demonstrate that water availability, the Arizona Department of Water Resources requires that developers meet 5 criteria.

  1. Physical availability for 100 years – This is typically addressed through a hydrologic study and must take into account current demand and water use that has been committed to but is not yet being used, such as land that is currently under development.
  2. Continuous availability for 100 years – This means that there must be sufficient backup supply or artificial storage to provide continuously available water. There must also be a recovery plan that allows the backup supply to recover and a Drought Response Plan.
  3. Legal availability for 100 years – Developers work with municipalities and water providers to acquire the legal right to water that will be used by their future homeowners.
  4. Water quality – The water being provided must meet Safe Drinking Water Act Requirements.
  5. Financial capability – A water provider must have adequate delivery, storage, and treatment works in place or already financed.


 At Dorn Homes, we work with developers and landowners that meet all 5 of those criteria for every neighborhood we build. The continuing commitment to water conservation efforts is vitally important to us, as it should be to everyone here in Arizona.

If you’re interested in taking steps to conserve water around the house, here are a few simple tips:

  • Turn off the water when shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Consider a hot water circulation system, like those used by Dorn Homes, to avoid wasting water while you wait for a bath or shower to warm up.
  • Think about using native drought-tolerant plants or hardscaping when landscaping your front and back yard. You can find more information about that in our Outdoor Living post.
  • Use artificial turf instead of a natural grass lawn.
  • If you do install natural grass, put your sprinklers on a schedule that waters early in the morning to avoid excess evaporation. Alternatively, install moisture sensors and a smart sprinkler system to ensure that your sprinklers are watering only when needed.
  • Install low-flow toilets and showerheads.
  • For those of you considering making substantial changes to your water consumption habits, look into water collection options for your outdoor irrigation needs.


By working together with the state, the developers, and the community, we can all make smart water choices today that will ensure the availability of safe water for generations to come. For more information about how Arizona manages its water use visit http://www.azwater.gov.

For information about Dorn Homes, talk to one of our Online Home Advisors today.


09 Feb, 2023
Economic Growth & Development in the Prescott Area
By dornhomes 25 Feb, 2022
There is never a dull moment at Quailwood, a master-planned community in Prescott Valley.  Swimming – The sparkling pool at the Clubhouse in Prescott Valley is a great way to spend leisurely afternoons. Gardening – Test your green thumb in the Quailwood community garden. Join you neighbors in planting and harvesting fresh produce. Tennis or Pickle Ball – Play a game of tennis or pickle ball with your friends (then maybe take a dip in the pool afterwards) Take a Class – Classes are regularly held in the Community Center. The schedule varies by month but there have been jewelry making, dance classes and more.Billiards – Play a game of billiards with your neighbors and friends at the Community Center Work Out – Visit the fitness center or even attend a yoga class right in the neighborhood!Take the kids and grandkids to the park – The kids will have a great time on the playground. Downtown Prescott – Visit many of the attractions in downtown Prescott, just a short drive away. Shopping & Dining – Prescott Valley offers a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options for the whole family. Get Outdoors – There are many hiking and biking trails in Prescott and Prescott Valley as well as fishing or kayaking on one of the nearby lakes.
By Dornhomes 24 Feb, 2022
At Dorn Homes careful consideration goes into every design and building choice. You can see it in our award-winning architecture and our extensive design options. One place that you can’t see it is in the air itself. Every home that Dorn Homes builds is guided by a promise that we make to each and every homebuyer. We call that promise The Organic Home . The Organic Home is a commitment to provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for you, your family, and your pets. When we build, we use whole home ventilation systems, low or no volatile organic compound (VOC) materials, and healthy home building techniques. In fact, Dorn Homes is one of the first homebuilders to receive the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS certification. This means that, in addition to offering ENERGY STAR Certified Homes , we take extra steps in the design and construction of our homes to protect them from moisture and mold, pests, combustion gases, and other airborne pollutants. The reason this is so important to us is that Indoor Air Quality can have real health effects in both the short and long term. While we do our part building to the highest Indoor Air Quality standards, here are a few steps you can take to breathe a little easier. Determine if There’s a Problem While there are tests you can purchase to measure your air quality and the presence of mold and radon, those may not be necessary in all instances. The EPA recommends a simple smell test to determine if you may have trouble with your Indoor Air Quality. Step outside for a few minutes and then go back inside, a musty or unpleasant odor is a good indication that you may need to address your air quality. Vent, Vent, Vent The most effective method for handling poor Indoor Air Quality is improving ventilation. You can do this through natural or mechanical means. At Dorn Homes every home is built with a mechanical whole home ventilation system, but if you find yourself needing a higher volume venting (when painting or cooking for instance) it’s as easy as opening a few windows. Opening windows on opposite sides of the house is a great way to naturally vent the home and encourage airflow. Clean the Air There are far too many air purifiers to discuss the benefits of each one, but you really only need to know a few numbers to make a decision. How much air flows through the purifier and how efficient it is. A higher efficiency translates to more allergens captured while high airflow (measured in cubic feet per minute) means more air is cleaned. Ideally you want a purifier that is both efficient and has a high airflow. If you’re considering buying an air purifier, compare various models based on those two factors. Plants? There have been some studies that have found indoor plants improve Indoor Air Quality and other studies that have found that having plants in your living spaces offer a psychological benefit while reducing stress. Be careful not to overwater them though, wet soil can lead to moldy soil. Maintenance Maintenance means both controlling sources and managing exposure. The EPA recommends source control as the most important step in managing Indoor Air Quality. That means, removing sources of harmful pollutants or allergens, things like old drywall or cabinets, high VOC paint, or houseplants that have caused an allergic reaction. If you are dealing with high VOC paints or building materials, the solution could be as simple as a new coat of paint. Many companies now make VOC blocking paints that are not only affordable, but also effective at improving Indoor Air Quality and indoor odor. If allergens are more of a concern, installing highly rated air filters in your ventilation system is an excellent investment (make sure you’re changing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions). Dorn Homes installs high-quality Merv-10 filters in every home we build. Additionally, cleaning your vacuum’s filter can help ensure that when you’re cleaning your home you’re not inadvertently filling the air with irritating dust and dander.  If you’re interested in more information on Indoor Air Quality or the Indoor airPLUS Certification, you can read about it on the EPA’s website here. And, if you’d like to find out more about our building science click here or talk to one of our Online Home Advisors . Topics: Healthy Homes , New Homes
By Dornhomes 24 Feb, 2022
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By Dornhomes 24 Feb, 2022
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