Kingman water supply discussion highlights reliance on Sacramento Basin resources

During the Mohave County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 7, 2025, discussions centered on critical water resource management issues affecting the city of Kingman and the surrounding areas. The meeting highlighted the ongoing reliance of Kingman on the Sacramento Basin for its water supply and the implications of future water management strategies.

A significant point of discussion was the current water extraction from the Sacramento Basin, which is essential for Kingman's municipal needs. Officials noted that while Kingman straddles both the Sacramento and Hualapai Valley Basins, the city is permitted to draw water from both sources. However, the new well being developed will not sufficiently replace the volume of water currently sourced from the Sacramento Basin, which totals approximately 9,600 acre-feet annually. This raises concerns about the sustainability of Kingman's water supply as the city continues to grow.

The supervisors expressed the need for more comprehensive data regarding water availability in these basins. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) is scheduled to conduct supply and demand assessments for various basins, including the Sacramento and Hualapai, in 2026 and 2027. These assessments are crucial for understanding the long-term viability of water resources in the region, especially as rural areas face increasing pressure from urban expansion and agricultural demands.

Another key topic was the impact of external water users, particularly large agricultural operations from outside the region, which have begun to dominate water usage in the Hualapai Basin. Concerns were raised about the potential for these entities to monopolize water resources, thereby limiting local municipalities' ability to secure necessary water supplies for growth and development. The supervisors emphasized the importance of protecting local water rights and ensuring that any future water management frameworks consider the needs of residents and local industries.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for local water interests, particularly in light of upcoming negotiations regarding the Colorado River, which will involve multiple stakeholders, including Native American tribes. The supervisors underscored the urgency of addressing these water management challenges, as they are deemed critical to the future sustainability of Mohave County and its communities.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding water resource management in Arizona, particularly as urbanization and climate change continue to exert pressure on already strained water supplies. The board's proactive approach in seeking data and advocating for local interests signals a commitment to addressing these pressing issues head-on.