Arizona Takes Action on Its Groundwater Crisis

Over many years, the desert farmlands in western Arizona have experienced a significant drop in the water table. This decline coincides with the activities of a Saudi-owned dairy operation that has been extracting boundless groundwater to cultivate hay, used to sustain livestock.

New Regulatory Measures

Recently, state authorities have introduced measures to restrict such pumping activities, marking a significant shift in policy. The governor of Arizona, Katie Hobbs, declared the intention to limit out-of-state interests that deplete local resources, affecting the state's communities and farming sectors.

Saudi Agricultural Practices in Arizona

Fondomonte, linked to the large-scale Saudi dairy organization Almarai, stands as the primary water consumer in the region. The company relies on numerous wells to nurture alfalfa crops, which are then sent overseas.

The Arizona Department of Water Resources has categorized the Ranegras Plain, situated a hundred miles from Phoenix, as a new 'active management area' to conserve groundwater resources. This area will now face regulations similar to those introduced around Willcox, Arizona.

The Governor’s Stance

Governor Hobbs vows to confront water misuse head-on, recognizing that inaction would lead to further hardships for rural residents. The newly implemented rules will halt expansion of irrigation on additional land and mandate detailed water use reporting by landowners with large-scale wells.

Community and Legal Reactions

The state's decision was influenced by public feedback, with overwhelming support for better management of groundwater. Tom Buschatzke, head of the state's water resources department, emphasized the importance of preserving local water supplies for the future.

Despite some contentions about Fondomonte's international influence, there is a broad perception that farming practices need a transformation towards using less water-intensive crops. Fondomonte has pledged to adhere to the forthcoming regulations, claiming its operations utilize advanced water-saving technologies.

Legal and Environmental Implications

A lawsuit against Fondomonte by the state's Attorney General accuses the company of legally questionable excessive pumping, resulting in adverse environmental impacts. With the law now shifting, legal proceedings continue alongside new regulatory measures.

Supervisor Holly Irwin of La Paz County, a strong advocate for water conservation, praised the state's intervention, marking it as a significant deterrent against similar large-scale agricultural enterprises. This decision aims to protect the community's future.

Background on Foreign Agricultural Interests

Fondomonte commenced operations in Arizona in 2014, following Saudi Arabia's internal ban on cultivating forage crops to conserve its dwindling groundwater resources. Thus, Saudi entities sought cultivation opportunities abroad.

Aside from its Arizona operations, Fondomonte holds properties in California, using Colorado River water for its alfalfa crops, further illuminating the extensive international agricultural strategies.

Challenges of Groundwater Management

The challenges in managing diminishing groundwater resources are complex and touch on various societal and environmental aspects. With significant declines in key water reservoirs, states like Arizona are under pressure to enact new policies to curb water usage.

Since the implementation of the 1980 groundwater legislation, certain urban areas benefited from restrictions, while vast portions of the state remained susceptible to unregulated agricultural consumption, often leading to unsustainable withdrawal rates.

As the state's executive office under Governor Hobbs aims to rectify past oversights in water management, steps like terminating leases that allowed excessive groundwater withdrawals demonstrate a commitment to sustainably managing natural resources.