Lake Havasu City Mayor Cal Sheehy has been reelected as Chair of the Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition (CCRSCo), reaffirming Lake Havasu City's sustained regional engagement in efforts to safeguard and maintain the water quality of the Lower Colorado River. The reelection occurred during the coalition’s recent annual meeting, solidifying Mayor Sheehy’s leadership role within the organization.
Joining Mayor Sheehy in the coalition’s leadership, Duce Minor, from the La Paz County Board of Supervisors, was also reelected to serve as Vice Chair. Additionally, Dr. Todd Tietjen, representing the Southern Nevada Water Authority, was reelected as Secretary/Treasurer. This leadership team will continue to guide CCRSCo's initiatives across the tri-state region.
The Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition serves as a collaborative body, uniting various entities from Arizona, California, and Nevada. Its membership includes municipalities, counties, water and wastewater agencies, tribal representatives, educational institutions, and federal and regional partners. All members share a fundamental commitment to protecting the Lower Colorado River and its vital resources.
Originally established in 1997, the organization began its journey as the Colorado River Regional Sewer Coalition (CRRSCo). In its initial phase, CRRSCo primarily focused on securing federal funding to enhance wastewater treatment systems and expand centralized sewer infrastructure. These efforts were specifically aimed at addressing nitrate concerns along the Lower Colorado River, which posed potential threats to water quality and public health.
Over time, the coalition’s involvement expanded. It later engaged with the Clean Colorado River Alliance, an initiative that was created in 2005. This alliance was formed by then-Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality with a specific mandate: to identify and proactively address potential threats to the Colorado River's water quality across the region.
Following significant improvements to sewer infrastructure in various communities, including Lake Havasu City and Bullhead City, the organization broadened its mission to encompass a wider array of water-related challenges. This evolution culminated in 2013 when CRRSCo formally amended its bylaws and rebranded itself as the Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition. This change reflected a strategic shift in its focus toward fostering enhanced regional collaboration and addressing comprehensive water-quality issues affecting the entire Lower Colorado River watershed. The coalition's updated mission underscores a commitment to the long-term health and viability of the river system.
Mayor Sheehy expressed his commitment to the coalition’s ongoing work, stating, “The Colorado River connects our communities and is 'vital to our residents, our economies, and our future.' I am honored to serve as Chair and look forward to working with our regional partners to continue protecting the water quality and long-term sustainability of this critical resource.” His remarks highlight the interconnectedness of the river with the region's prosperity and environmental health.
