Lake Havasu City Mayor Cal Sheehy has been reelected Chair of the Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition (CCRSCo) at the organization’s recent annual meeting. This continues Lake Havasu City’s active regional participation in efforts to preserve and protect the water quality of the Lower Colorado River. Mayor Sheehy’s renewed leadership highlights an ongoing commitment to the critical waterway that connects communities throughout the region.
The coalition's leadership team also saw other key reappointments. Duce Minor, from the La Paz County Board of Supervisors, was reelected as Vice Chair, while Dr. Todd Tietjen of the Southern Nevada Water Authority was reelected as Secretary/Treasurer. These reelections solidify the diverse regional representation at the helm of CCRSCo.
The Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition serves as a vital collaborative body, uniting various stakeholders from Arizona, California, and Nevada. Its membership comprises municipalities, counties, water and wastewater agencies, tribal representatives, educational institutions, and both federal and regional partners. All members share a common commitment to the protection and long-term health of the Lower Colorado River.
CCRSCo has a history rooted in addressing critical environmental challenges facing the river. The organization was originally established in 1997 under the name Colorado River Regional Sewer Coalition (CRRSCo). In its initial phase, this coalition primarily concentrated on securing federal funding to enhance wastewater treatment systems and expand centralized sewer infrastructure. This original focus was specifically designed to tackle nitrate concerns identified along the Lower Colorado River, which posed a threat to water quality.
Over time, the coalition's scope expanded. In 2005, it became involved with the Clean Colorado River Alliance, an initiative that had been created by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. This alliance was formed with the express purpose of identifying and addressing potential threats to the Colorado River's overall water quality, further broadening the coalition's engagement with regional environmental issues.
Following significant improvements to sewer infrastructure in various communities, including Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City, the organization recognized the opportunity to broaden its mission further. In 2013, CRRSCo formally amended its bylaws, leading to its transformation into the Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition. This change marked a pivotal shift in focus, moving toward broader regional collaboration and addressing a wider array of water-quality issues impacting the entire Lower Colorado River watershed. The evolution of the organization reflects a dynamic response to the changing needs and challenges of preserving the Colorado River.
Mayor Sheehy expressed his dedication to the coalition's mission, stating, "The Colorado River connects our communities and is vital to our residents, our economies, and our future." He also conveyed his honor to serve as Chair and his anticipation of collaborating with regional partners to continue safeguarding the water quality and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this essential natural resource. The continuity in leadership underscores the sustained effort to protect one of the region's most precious assets.
