Lake Havasu City Council approves $150M wastewater bond and launches new water master plan

The Lake Havasu City Council convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss key financial and infrastructure initiatives, including the management of the city’s wastewater system and the development of a new water master plan.

The meeting began with a review of the city’s reserve fund, established as a management tool to handle the city’s debt. Council members discussed the potential utilization of $5.2 million in reserves, with estimates indicating that not addressing current debt could lead to an additional cost of $88 million over time. Following this discussion, the council opened a public hearing, during which resident Bonnie Toy raised a question regarding discrepancies in the reported number of sewer pump stations. City officials acknowledged the oversight and confirmed that the current infrastructure data would be updated.

The council then moved to a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $150 million in wastewater system revenue bonds. Council member Diaz motioned for approval, which passed unanimously, indicating strong support for the financial strategy aimed at managing the city’s wastewater infrastructure.

Next on the agenda was a professional services agreement for the 2025 water master plan with Jacobs Engineering. City officials highlighted the need for an updated plan, noting that the last one was published in 2019. The new plan aims to address the growing community's water needs, evaluate aging infrastructure, and prepare for potential changes in water supply conditions due to federal and state regulations. The estimated cost for this plan is $224,940, with a timeline for completion set for approximately seven months.

During the public hearing on the water master plan, residents raised concerns about the adequacy of water services in underserved areas and the impact of aging infrastructure on water quality. City officials reassured attendees that the plan would include assessments of current operations and infrastructure, aiming to improve service delivery across the city.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing financial management and infrastructure needs, with plans in place to enhance both the wastewater and water systems in Lake Havasu City. The council will continue to monitor these initiatives and engage with the community as they progress.