Bullhead City, AZ — July 25, 2025 — The City of Bullhead City announced today that all parking fees at Bullhead City Community Park will be waived on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in response to temporarily reduced water releases from Davis Dam that will significantly lower Colorado River water levels.
Temporary Water Level Reduction Details
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will reduce water releases from Davis Dam between approximately 3:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29. This planned reduction will result in significantly lower water levels along the Colorado River throughout Bullhead City, affecting recreational activities and river access.
“This measure ensures that no visitors pay for river access while expecting typical water conditions,” city officials stated in the announcement. The temporary flow adjustment is part of ongoing cooperative research efforts to study and manage caddisfly populations along the river.
Safety Warnings for River Users
The City of Bullhead City strongly encourages all river users to plan ahead and exercise extreme caution during the low water period. The reduced water levels will expose numerous hazards typically hidden beneath the surface, including:
- Sandbars that may strand watercraft or create unexpected shallow areas
- Rocks and boulders normally submerged that pose collision risks
- Debris and obstacles that could damage boats or injure swimmers
- Altered river currents that may behave unpredictably
Officials recommend that boaters, jet skiers, swimmers, and other recreational users consider delaying their river activities until after noon on July 29, when water flows are expected to return to normal levels.
Opportunity for Riverfront Property Maintenance
While the low water levels present challenges for recreation, they offer a unique opportunity for riverfront property owners. The City encourages residents and businesses with river access to take advantage of the exposed riverbanks to perform essential maintenance, including:
- Cleaning around docks and boat lifts
- Inspecting and maintaining seawalls
- Removing accumulated debris from shoreline areas
- Clearing organic buildup that harbors pests
This maintenance is particularly important for reducing caddisfly larvae and pupae populations, which contribute to nuisance insect outbreaks during warmer months. The exposed areas provide rare access to zones typically underwater, making thorough cleaning possible.
Understanding the Caddisfly Abatement Program
The temporary flow reduction is part of a comprehensive caddisfly management strategy involving multiple agencies and organizations:
- City of Bullhead City
- Bullhead Pest Abatement District
- U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
- Clark County
- Local scientific researchers
Caddisflies, while harmless to humans, can become a significant nuisance in large numbers, particularly during their adult flying stage. These aquatic insects spend most of their lifecycle underwater, making periods of low water flow crucial for population management efforts.
Community Park Access and Facilities
Bullhead City Community Park, located along the Colorado River, typically charges parking fees to help maintain facilities and services. The waiver on July 29 ensures fair treatment for visitors who may arrive expecting normal river conditions. The park offers:
- River access points for launching boats and personal watercraft
- Swimming areas (use extreme caution during low flow)
- Picnic facilities and shade structures
- Restroom facilities
- Walking paths along the river
All facilities except water-based activities will remain fully operational during the low flow period.
How to Check Current River Conditions
Residents and visitors can monitor real-time water release schedules and river conditions through official resources:
- Davis Dam Water Release Schedules: Visit https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/hourly/DavisParkerSchedules.pdf for hourly updates
- Caddisfly Abatement Information: Learn more about ongoing efforts at https://www.bhcbugs.org
Planning Your Visit After July 29
Normal parking fees at Bullhead City Community Park will resume on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Visitors planning river activities after the temporary reduction should:
- Check current water release schedules before heading out
- Inspect launch areas for any changes following the low water period
- Be aware that river bottom conditions may have shifted
- Watch for any debris that may have been dislodged
Frequently Asked Questions
What time exactly will the water levels drop?
Water levels will begin dropping around 3:00 a.m. on July 29 and remain low until approximately 12:00 p.m. (noon) the same day.
Is it safe to use the river during low flow?
While the river remains accessible, extreme caution is advised. Many hazards normally hidden underwater will be exposed. The City recommends postponing recreational activities until after noon.
Will boat launches be closed?
Boat launches will remain open, but users should exercise extreme caution and be prepared for significantly different conditions than normal.
Why is the City waiving parking fees?
The City is waiving fees to ensure visitors don’t pay for river access when conditions are not suitable for typical recreational use.
For more information about City of Bullhead City services and announcements, contact the Public Information Office at (928) 763-0182 or visit the city’s official website.
