Blenda Dale lives in the Tierra Mesa Estates neighborhood off County 14th Street in Yuma. She says the hike in her current water bill compared to the same month last year is glaring.
“In October 2025, our bill was $74," Dale told KAWC. "Now, it’s $400 and we’re using less water.”
So what happened? For one, the Arizona Corporation Commission, which sets utility rates throughout the state, approved a 314 percent rate increase last October that took effect Dec. 1, 2025.
KAWC reached out to Rob Krosley, a corporate communication manager with Central States Water Resources. They operate water companies in 11 states including Arizona.
Tierra Mesa residents get their water through Cactus State Utility Operating Company, which is under CSWR.
In an emailed statement, Krosley said the ACC approved the rate increases “following its regulatory review. Many systems acquired by Cactus State historically had rates that had not been adjusted for many years, even as the cost of operating, maintaining and improving these systems increased.”
Cactus State officials notified Tierra Mesa residents on Dec. 26 of last year that levels of uranium above drinking water standards were detected. Since then, drinking water has been provided at no additional cost to customers via a kiosk in the community. Krosley said the kiosk is kept in service with regular water delivery though some residents tell KAWC that potable water has run out before.
"I would say that the rate increase is predatory," said Blenda Dale. "It should be a basic right to have drinking water (readily) available.”
Krosley with CSWR told KAWC that Cactus State has made upgrades to the system since acquistion. These include improving pumping and electrical reliability by replacing three failed booster pumps and motors, booster pump check valves and electrical disconnects.
Other improvements Cactus State officials say they have made at Tierra Mesa are:
- Evaluating and improving both community wells, including inspections of the East and West wells, and corrosion removal and recoating of wellhead piping, preserving the integrity of the piping and preventing leaks
- Improving system monitoring and control through installation of flow and remote-monitoring equipment, enabling response to events in real time even when remote or off-site
- Maintaining and protecting water-storage infrastructure through cleaning, repairs and recoating of the hydropneumatic tank and painting of system tanks
- Replacing critical operating equipment, including hydropneumatic tank site glass and pressure gaugues
- Improving facility security and access with new and expanded six-foot fencing and three vehicle-access gates at the well sites
- Completing additional site improvements, including grading, vent screening and landscaping
Resident Beth Roe said she doesn’t believe Tierra Mesa residents are getting a fair deal.
“especially given the lack of quality of our water... It’s been ongoing. They’ve had time to fix the water issue and it’s like nothing has really happened so that’s very frustrating.”
Some residents say they are communicating with the Arizona Corporation Commission and state Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Another resident who asked that we call her Anne F. called it “rate gouging and unaffordable”
“Nobody would like their bill being tripled but even in this economy people would find a way if it was predictable but it’s so unpredictable.”
Krosley with CSWR said "In the most recent billing cycle, a usage data irregularity resulted in some customers in the Tierra Mesa community being incorrectly charged. We have corrected this and any credits related to the irregularity will be reflected on customers’ next bill."
Some residents told KAWC that they believe the water meters are giving false readings. To that, CSWR responded "This data irregularity that led to one month of incorrect billing was not related to the accuracy of customers’ meters. If any customer has reason to believe their meter is malfunctioning, they can call Cactus State customer service and have their meter tested. If it’s found to be inaccurate, the customer will receive a new meter at no charge."
Another issue some residents mentioned was that there did not appear to be any public hearings in Yuma for Tierra Mesa residents. CSWR said an in-person public meeting was held on July 23, 2025 in Phoenix. Residents could also submit comments by e-mail.
"Together, this work has addressed failed and aging equipment, strengthened pumping and operational reliability, enhanced our ability to monitor system performance and improved the condition and security of critical water system facilities.," CSWR officials said in a statement.
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Stay tuned to KAWC for any updates on this story as they become available.
