Protecting Havasu’s Lifeblood: How the Mohave County Water Authority Safeguards Our Vital Resource

In 1995, the Mohave County Water Authority was established with the objective of protecting water rights for its constituent cities. Annually, each member, including Lake Havasu City, pays dues to retain membership. Recently, the Lake Havasu City Council approved a $53,970 payment to the water authority for the 2024-25 fiscal year. But how is this money utilized?

The Mohave County Water Authority is composed of seven members — Bullhead City, Kingman, the Mohave Valley Irrigation District, the Golden Shores Water District, Mohave County itself, Lake Havasu City, and the Mohave Water Conservation District. Fees differ for each member, based on their allocated water.

General counsel Jamie Kelley, who has served since 2018, stated that collected funds cover various expenses, including salaries, audits, and a lobbyist. The allocated budget includes $9,000 for auditing, $92,400 for legal expenses, $60,000 for lobbying and consulting, $13,000 for travel and meetings, $3,000 for annual fees, $3,000 for insurance, and $300 for miscellaneous costs.

Kelley actively represents the authority on a state level, participating in the governor’s water council and the Arizona Reconsultation Committee. “We advocate for water entitlements along the main stem to stay within these communities, ensuring future growth as it remains our sole water source,” Kelley said.

Deputy director of public works for Lake Havasu City, Tim Kellett, mentioned that the authority has secured over 15,000 acre-feet of water for Mohave County and nearly 10,000 acre-feet for Lake Havasu City directly. “They still engage in both federal and state lobbying and participate in Arizona Department of Water Rights reviews for forthcoming changes in Colorado River rules,” Kellett added.

Changes to the rules governing Colorado River water usage and the agreement between the federal government and involved states are anticipated in 2026, with the Authority playing a crucial role in shaping future water rights and river operations. The Bureau of Reclamation indicated work is ongoing to develop these post-2026 guidelines.

Lake Havasu City Mayor Cal Sheehy and Kellett both serve on the authority’s board. Sheehy emphasized that the city’s dues support securing and protecting water rights along the river.

The Mohave County Water Authority’s history is rooted in its 1995 formation to protect water resources for Kingman. “Initially, it facilitated the transfer of Kingman’s 18,500-acre feet of Colorado River entitlement, ensuring it remained within Mohave County for municipal growth,” Kelley explained. This goal was achieved, and Kingman was compensated for its water.

The authority now focuses on advocating for Colorado River water rights along its main stem. Over the years, it acquired additional water supplies, including 4,300 acre-feet from the Cibola area, distributed to Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City.

The authority offers flexibility in water distribution within Mohave County. Although all its water is currently under subcontracts, it enhances the potential for reallocating resources during shortages.

Kelley outlined a funding and exchange agreement negotiated by her predecessor with the Arizona Water Bank, intended to assist municipalities in times of water scarcity. Municipalities can turn to the Arizona Water Bank, despite the high costs and the necessity to replace the water used. “It essentially becomes a paper water swap,” Kelley described, highlighting the mechanism’s reliance on collaboration with a partner to recover and exchange water.