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ICYMI: "Rural Arizona leaders want Hobbs to impose controls on groundwater overpumping"

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Salome, AZ ~ Salome, AZ - Governor Katie Hobbs made a trip to La Paz County yesterday to meet with local leaders and discuss the pressing issue of overpumping by out-of-state corporate farms in the Butler Valley, McMullen Valley, and Ranegras Plain basins. The visit was prompted by the ongoing inaction of state lawmakers on the water crisis in rural Arizona.

During her visit, Governor Hobbs reaffirmed her commitment to finding bipartisan solutions to protect water in rural Arizona and ensure a thriving, sustainable, and growing economy. She stressed the need for unified efforts involving legislators, Tribal leaders, local elected officials, farmers, business owners and residents to address this urgent issue.

The excessive groundwater pumping by large-scale agricultural operations has had serious impacts on La Paz County. Residents have reported declining water levels and wells running dry. Governor Hobbs emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further damage.

"I heard a lot of frustration. Rural Arizonans feel their message has not been heard at the legislature," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "For two years, I've fought for commonsense, bipartisan solutions to protect our water future and grow our economy, but the legislative majority has continued to stonewall."

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She added that ignoring this problem is not an option as it will only worsen the situation for rural communities. "No matter what, I will continue to take action to protect rural Arizonans from out-of-state corporations pumping their communities dry for a quick profit," she stated firmly.

Local leaders expressed their gratitude for Governor Hobbs' visit and advocacy on this issue. La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin said, "I can't thank Governor Hobbs enough for coming out to La Paz County. After 10 years of raising the alarm we finally have somebody who's listening."

Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman also showed support for passing legislation but urged Governor Hobbs to take administrative action if necessary. "We need to have control over our future, and that means we need to have control over our groundwater," she said.

Residents of rural Arizona also shared their personal stories of the challenges they face due to declining water levels. Illene Wood, a Wenden resident of 26 years, shared how she had to drill a new well at 520 feet in 2010 and again at 840 feet last year, costing her $130,000. "It was either that or hauling water," she said.

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Local business owner Rod McDermott also expressed his concerns, stating that without access to water, his business would suffer greatly. "One of our two wells is already dry. Drilling another one would cost $120,000, which I can't afford," he said.

Governor Hobbs began her day with a driving tour led by Holly Irwin before meeting with local residents and visiting the Wenden Water Improvement District. She concluded her visit with a roundtable discussion with rural leaders from across Arizona.

Officials from La Paz, Mohave, Yavapai, Santa Cruz, Kingman, Willcox, Lake Havasu City, Coconino and Prescott came together to discuss updates on rural groundwater legislative negotiations and explore potential alternative solutions moving forward.

The urgent need for action on this issue was evident throughout Governor Hobbs' visit as rural families, farmers, business owners and leaders called on her to protect their water and ensure a sustainable future for their communities.

Filed Under: Government, State
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