How many homes can this land support on water?
One home on an exempt well
Any subdivision only with a certificate of assured water supply: 100 years of physically, continuously and legally available water in the Prescott AMA, and the certificate sets the lot count.
Why, who decides and sources
Why
In an AMA, a subdivision can't be platted and sold without an assured water supply.
Who decides
ADWR, which issues the certificate.
Sources
Law
- A.R.S. 45-576(A)
"a person who proposes to offer subdivided lands ... for sale or lease in an active management area shall apply for and obtain a certificate of assured water supply from the director before presenting the plat for approval ... unless the subdivider has obtained a written commitment of water service for the subdivision from a city, town or private water company designated as having an assured water supply pursuant to this section."
- A.R.S. 45-576(N)
"'assured water supply' means all of the following: 1. Sufficient groundwater, surface water or effluent of adequate quality will be continuously available to satisfy the water needs of the proposed use for at least one hundred years. ... 2. The projected groundwater use is consistent with the management plan and achievement of the management goal for the active management area. 3. The financial capability has been demonstrated to construct the water facilities"
- A.R.S. 45-108(A)
"In areas outside of active management areas ... the developer of a proposed subdivision including dry lot subdivisions, regardless of subdivided lot size, prior to recordation of the plat, shall submit plans for the water supply for the subdivision and demonstrate the adequacy of the water supply to meet the needs projected by the developer to the director."
- A.R.S. 11-823(D)(2)
"If the director of water resources has determined that there is an inadequate water supply for the subdivision pursuant to section 45-108, the board … shall note this on the face of the plat if the plat is approved."
- ADWR AAWS FAQ
"A Designation of Assured Water Supply is issued to a water provider for its service area located within an AMA. A Certificate of Assured Water Supply is issued to landowners for a subdivision located within an AMA. If your subdivision will be served by a water provider that is designated as having an assured water supply, you will not need a Certificate of Assured Water Supply."
- ADWR, List of Designated Providers (2026-09-09)
"In order for a new development to make use of a water provider's designation, there must exist a written commitment of service from the water provider."