Lake Havasu City Homeowners Face Rising Water and Sewer Rate Anxiety

Lake Havasu City’s recent water and wastewater rate adjustment has left some homeowners associations grappling with significant increases in their expenses. The City Council approved the five-year rate schedule last September, with the first hikes taking effect on November 1, 2023.

Rates for sewer services spiked for residents in multifamily housing, changing from a base charge of $18.67 with a flow rate of $6.26 to a flat charge of $52.14. Clara Smith, president of the Stonebridge Fairways HOA, highlighted these changes by saying the association now faces overwhelming bills, alongside similar challenges experienced by the Gleneagles Condominium Association.

In their joint correspondence to city officials, Smith and Ed Januszewski from Gleneagles expressed concern over the uneven impact on HOAs, particularly those that maintain their own infrastructure. Their letter pointed out that residents in these associations are facing dual expenses: paying city rates while also covering operational and maintenance costs for their facilities.

The statistics are alarming; Stonebridge’s water bill surged by 63% in August compared to the same month the previous year. Cumulative charges through July have climbed to $24,697.06 from $13,051.97, marking an 89% increase. To manage these higher costs, Stonebridge has had to raise their water and sewer budget from $30,000 to $48,000 in just one year.

Mayor Cal Sheehy acknowledged the financial strain on residents but emphasized the importance of a structured rate plan, developed through more than two years of public engagement. Over 30 HOAs participated in discussions prior to the decision, with various council meetings held to gather feedback on the recommended structure. This collaborative process aimed to secure necessary funding for future infrastructure maintenance and repairs.

The council’s decision to implement immediate rate increases for multifamily dwellings—rather than a phased approach—has been a point of contention. According to Sheehy, while the new rates represent a steep initial burden, subsequent increases will align more closely with rates for all residential customers.

Looking ahead, planned increases will see the base charge for all residential customers rise incrementally over the next few years, reaching $56.86 by September 1, 2027. These adjustments are intended to ensure the stability of city water and sewer operations, which encompass a substantial infrastructure including a treatment plant and hundreds of miles of water and sewer lines.

In light of these changes, the city has introduced several programs aimed at assisting residents. A Water Efficiency Rebate Program has been initiated to help households reduce their water usage through better practices and device upgrades. Furthermore, financial assistance options are available through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). City officials urge community members in need to contact the billing department for more information on accessing these resources.

For further inquiries, residents can reach the city’s billing department at 928-453-4146, or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-494-1981.