Local property owners compensated in Bullhead City sewer overflow settlement

BULLHEAD CITY — Bullhead City has agreed to a $90,000 settlement with local property owners Blaise and Carla Falche over a sewer system malfunction that contaminated their waterfront property in 2022. The settlement, pending formal approval by the city council, resolves allegations of negligence and brings attention to the city’s ongoing infrastructure challenges.
The lawsuit, filed in early 2023, accused the city of failing to adequately maintain and repair its sewer system, resulting in multiple overflows that flooded the Falches’ property on Mosier Avenue. The property, a one-acre parcel with short-term rental units and Colorado River access, was significantly damaged by raw sewage. The flooding disrupted the property’s use, caused environmental harm, and led to substantial cleanup and remediation costs.
City officials disputed some claims, citing debris on the private side of the property’s sewer lines. However, they acknowledged that mechanical failures at the nearby Section 18 lift station contributed to the overflows. The settlement includes $90,000 in damages, jet-cleaning of the Falches’ sewer lines, and relocation of a backflow valve to their property to prevent future incidents.
The case underscores the city’s broader infrastructure challenges, particularly with aging water and sewer systems. The Section 18 lift station, identified as the source of the malfunction, is undergoing extensive renovations scheduled for completion this fiscal year. These upgrades are part of a citywide effort to modernize critical infrastructure to support a growing population and avoid similar incidents in the future.
Bullhead City has experienced steady population growth in recent years, with its current population approaching 44,000. This growth has increased demands on public utilities and highlighted the need for proactive infrastructure management. Issues such as the Section 18 malfunction illustrate the delicate balance between maintaining existing systems and preparing for future development.
In addition to sewer system upgrades, Bullhead City has taken steps to improve transportation infrastructure. Recent projects include acquiring control of a major stretch of State Route 95 and constructing new turn lanes to ease traffic congestion.
The resolution of the Falche lawsuit provides a measure of closure for the property owners while serving as a reminder of aging infrastructure.
–Jeremy Webb