City of Yuma joins lawsuit over Colorado River transfer

Yuma, La Paz, and Mohave counties also are suing over water transfers to Queen Creek

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - The City of Yuma is the latest municipality to join a lawsuit against water transfers from the Colorado River to Queen Creek, Arizona.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls said this move creates a united front.

“The colorado river communities are making sure we have a future, and it’s not sold out from under us,” Nicholls said.

The issue is a transfer of 2,000 acre-feet of water from La Paz county to Queen Creek in central Arizona.

Their town council unanimously approved the purchase for 27 million dollars earlier this month.

“As interest rates aren’t getting any lower and water isn’t getting less expensive I vote we approve," Vice Mayor Jeff Brown said.

While this transfer will likely take place, the governments in the lawsuit are hoping to prevent future similar moves.

As by joining forces with La Paz county, Mohave county, and Yuma county in the suit, the costs of their legal representation can be split.

“I want the Yuma community to know we are actively protecting our water, and protecting our future," Nicholls said.

Mayor Nicholls says they are looking to add other communities still to the lawsuit.