The city of Prescott is moving forward with a major sewer upgrade along willow lake road that will replace an aging force main with a new gravity sewer line.
Public works officials say a gravity sewer main uses the natural downhill slope of the land to carry wastewater to treatment facilities — without the need for pumps or extra energy. The current system relies on a pressurized force main and two pump stations.
As part of the project, archaeologists completed a phase ii data recovery effort along a 1.3-mile stretch of city-owned right-of-way. The work, done in coordination with the Arizona State museum and the Hopi tribal historic preservation office, uncovered cultural features, a large number of artifacts, and human remains.
The city says all remains were treated respectfully and returned according to the hope tribe’s wishes, in compliance with the Arizona antiquities act and city historic preservation rules. No additional significant finds are expected during construction. Lake levels at Willow Lake will stay lowered to allow safe access for the work, which is scheduled to begin this summer. The project will also eliminate the need to upgrade the Willow Lake regional lift station, cutting long-term maintenance costs.