Turning Conservation into Opportunity: A Rural Arizona District Leads the Way
As a superintendent in a small, rural Arizona K-12 public school district, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how innovation, grit, and strong community partnerships can turn challenges into opportunities. At Williams Unified School District #2, we are proving that even small, rural districts can lead and innovate in big ways—especially when it comes to responsible fiscal and resource management.
In a state where water is one of our most precious resources, we knew we had to think differently. Maintaining natural grass fields across our campuses had long been a challenge - requiring significant water use, rising maintenance costs, and countless staff hours dedicated to its upkeep. In an already water scarce community, those challenges only intensify.
What started as a late-night review of an email in my inbox led me to a late night of wondering, quickly turning into one of the most impactful and innovative opportunities our district has ever pursued.
Through the successful acquisition of a Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) Water Conservation Grant, we launched a transformative project to replace our natural grass fields with state-of-the-art artificial turf. Thanks to this highly competitive grant, our district was able to take on this project with only a 25% contribution spread over three years-leveraging in-kind donations, staff expertise, and strategic planning all counting toward our share.
We now have athletic fields that rival what you might see at a Division I university - right here in rural Williams, AZ. But more importantly, this project is delivering a meaningful, measurable impact. We conservatively estimate that over the next 15 years (the life expectancy of the turf), our district will save more than 175 million gallons of potable water and over $1 million dollars in water utility costs, even assuming no utility rate increase over the course of the next 15 years.
Beyond water savings, the operational benefits are just as significant. We have eliminated the need for constant mowing, fertilizing, irrigation repairs, field painting, and the ongoing costs of fuel and equipment. Additionally, we are no longer treating these spaces with harsh chemicals that consume nearly 350,000 sq ft of district space to keep weeds and bugs away. This allows our maintenance team to focus their time and talents on other critical needs across our facilities.
This project is about more than cost savings and efficiency - it’s about stewardship and pride. It’s about modeling for our students what it means to be responsible with the resources we’ve been given. Today, our students, staff, and community have access to safe, durable, and beautiful outdoor spaces that can be used year-round, even in wet conditions and yes, even in winter. These fields are supporting athletics, physical education, and community events in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
I’m especially proud that this work also demonstrates what’s possible when districts align their needs with broader state and even global priorities. By focusing on water conservation and being intentional and timely in our planning, we positioned ourselves to successfully compete for grant funding. That didn’t happen by chance - it happened through vision, persistence, and a commitment to doing what’s best for our students and community.
As Arizona continues to face ongoing water challenges, I believe schools have a responsibility to lead. In Williams, we’re doing just that - showing that rural districts can be innovative, forward-thinking, and impactful. A recent story in the news cycle stated that a small rural AZ community is already telling its residents that it won't have enough water to literally turn the faucets on come summer. It isn't hyperbole, for some, it's already their reality.
This transition from grass to turf is more than a facilities upgrade. It is a long-term investment in sustainability, fiscal responsibility, resource management, and the protection of the world's most precious resource.
Mr. Eric J. Evans, M.Ed
WUSD # 2 Superintendent