Update on Surface Water Quality as of March 28, 2023
Following up from recent storm runoff and concerns about surface water quality, the City of Prescott has tested water at several locations along Granite Creek, as well as Watson Lake, Willow Lake, and Upper Goldwater Lake for E. coli levels. Upper Goldwater and Willow Lakes tested at very low levels of E. coli and boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing are all safe to continue. Watson Lake tested below the Partial Body Contact standard however, activities that could lead to the ingestion of water are not advised at this time. City staff will retest Watson Lake within the next few days so that weekend activities may be properly informed. As a reminder, swimming is always prohibited at City lakes. E. coli is a naturally occurring bacteria that is always present in local streams and lakes.