"This aquifer is our Colorado River": Rural residents struggle when corporate farms drill deep for water
Sep 20, 2024
auto_awesome
Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes discuss the urgent water crisis in rural Arizona, where corporate farms, particularly a Saudi-owned operation, threaten local aquifers. They highlight the community's escalating tensions as residents fight against excessive water extraction, which leads to environmental degradation and potential subsidence. Insights from Cochise County reveal the emotional toll on families struggling with drying wells. The conversation calls for legislative reforms to protect vital water resources amidst growing corporate influence.
The expansion of corporate farms, especially foreign-owned operations, threatens local aquifers, significantly impacting rural water supplies in Arizona.
Arizona officials emphasize the urgent need for legislative reforms and accountability measures to protect community water resources from excessive extraction.
Deep dives
Impact of Corporations on Water Resources
The episode highlights the significant impact of large corporate farms, particularly those linked to foreign investments, on local water resources in Arizona. The case of Fonda Monte, a Saudi company expanding its agricultural operations in La Paz County, demonstrates concerns over additional wells being drilled that threaten local aquifers vital for residents and smaller farms. Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays has raised alarms about these developments, emphasizing that the state must be vigilant against further exploitation of water resources by powerful entities. The urgency of this situation is underscored by the growing discontent among local communities harmed by these practices.
Governor's Engagement with Local Communities
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is actively engaging with local officials and residents in water-stressed areas like Cochise County to hear their concerns regarding dwindling water supplies. During her visit, discussions revealed that while municipal water systems face challenges, larger corporate dairy operations are consuming substantially more water than local needs. Local leaders pointed out the disparity in water usage, such as the dairy farm consuming hundreds of millions of gallons daily compared to the entire city of Wilcox using about 425,000 gallons. This situation is causing community leaders to call for more stringent regulations to protect their water supply.
Calls for Legislative Action on Water Management
Throughout the discussions, there is a clear call for legislative reform to address the challenges posed by excessive groundwater extraction. Governor Hobbs acknowledged the limitations of current groundwater laws and expressed a need for legislative tools that could grant more control and accountability over water use, particularly concerning large agricultural operations. Attorney General Mays is also exploring potential legal avenues to hold corporations accountable for environmental and resource damage. The ongoing dialogue among state officials, local leaders, and residents highlights the urgency to establish protective measures for Arizona’s water future.