Arizona Takes a Stand on Groundwater Conservation and Saudi Leases

In a bold move, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs recently announced the termination of state land leases that allowed a Saudi-owned farm, Fondomonte Arizona, unfettered access to the state’s precious groundwater resources. This action brings to light the significant concerns related to foreign-owned farms and their impact on local water supplies.

Source: CBS News/YouTube

Fondomonte Arizona, a subsidiary of Saudi dairy behemoth Almarai Co., has been cultivating alfalfa in Arizona’s arid environment. Interestingly, growing alfalfa is prohibited in Saudi Arabia due to the vast amounts of water it consumes. It’s noteworthy that this crop grown in Arizona is intended to feed livestock in Saudi Arabia, a region already grappling with water scarcity.

The core of the issue stemmed from certain violations, notably the storage of hazardous materials, which the company had failed to address for years, even after being informed. Furthermore, concerns about the excessive extraction of water, without any charge, have been raised, especially when juxtaposed with the drought conditions intensifying in Arizona. Such unregulated pumping poses a threat not only to the environment but also to the livelihoods of local farmers, as shared by Arizona cattle rancher Brad Mead, who highlighted how the company’s water use impacted his resources.

The importance of groundwater in areas like Butler Valley cannot be understated. Cities like Phoenix, which is already under stress due to water supply concerns and an increasing population, can theoretically pump water from such sources.

While urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson face restrictions on groundwater extraction under a 1980 state law, rural areas have fewer regulations. Here, users primarily need to register their wells and use the water for “beneficial use”, such as farming.

This move by Arizona to protect its water resources is crucial, especially when viewed in the context of increasing global concerns about water scarcity. As the world’s climate shifts and water becomes an even more precious commodity, proactive measures like these will be essential in safeguarding the environment and ensuring sustainability.

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Related Content:

• Saudi Firm to Blame for Pumping Water in Drought-Stricken Arizona
• Arizona Bans Natural Grass in Future Homes Due to Drought
• California, Arizona, and Nevada Reach Deal to Reduce Water Usage From the Colorado River
• New Project Could Pipe Water From Mexico to Arizona but No One Can Agree On It
• How California, Arizona, and Other Western States Are Creating New Water Supply During Drought

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