Lush fields of alfalfa in the Ranegras Plain groundwater basin, western Arizona, are at the center of a debate over water use. Fondomonte, a Saudi-owned company and the largest user in the area, has been allowed to pump unlimited groundwater for its hay exports to the Middle East. This practice has contributed to significant declines in aquifer levels.
At a recent meeting attended by more than 150 La Paz County residents, state officials presented data showing steep drops in groundwater levels. Ryan Mitchell, chief hydrologist for the Arizona Department of Water Resources, highlighted that some wells have seen declines as great as 242 feet since the early 1980s and warned that current rates of pumping are unsustainable. “That is a trend that is alarming,” he said. “The water budget for the basin is out of balance, significantly out of balance.”
Residents have reported household wells running dry and expressed concern about future access to water. Denise Beasley from Bouse described the situation as “the Wild West of water” and supported new regulations.
Governor Katie Hobbs has identified unrestricted pumping by outside corporations as a major issue for Arizona’s rural communities. She noted that depletion in Ranegras occurs nearly ten times faster than natural replenishment.
To address this, state officials have proposed creating an “active management area” in La Paz County. The plan would ban new farmland irrigation and require reporting on high-capacity well usage. It also includes forming a local advisory council and developing strategies to reduce overall consumption.
Fondomonte began operations in Arizona in 2014 after Saudi Arabia banned domestic cultivation of alfalfa due to depleted local groundwater supplies. The company owns thousands of acres locally and leases additional land from the state at annual fees totaling about $83,000 according to State Land Department spokesperson Lynn Cordova.
Some community members object to foreign companies using local resources for export crops while others focus on shifting agriculture toward less water-intensive options. Misha Melehes summarized concerns: “This is a desert, and our water is drying up… We need a tourniquet while we wait in the emergency room.”
There are also fears among locals like Kelly James that regulation could lead to farm downsizing or diversion of water supplies toward urban growth—a suspicion fueled by previous cases where cities acquired farm water rights.
Under current law it remains illegal to transport water out of Ranegras basin; however, doubts persist among residents such as Robert Favela who said: “Trust me, they’re going to take our water.”
Jennie Housley worries about potential loss of agriculture: “I believe that to sustain our country, we have to have agriculture in places like La Paz County.” Some farmers argue they already conserve voluntarily and warn regulation could harm their livelihoods.
Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke will decide by January 17 whether new regulations will be implemented.
Fondomonte did not comment publicly or respond to requests for input at the meeting.
Groundwater depletion issues extend beyond this region across much of Arizona and other Western states amid agricultural expansion and climate pressures. Satellite studies indicate groundwater loss from Colorado River Basin since 2003 rivals Lake Mead’s total capacity—the largest U.S. reservoir.
While urban areas like Phoenix have faced regulated pumping since 1980’s state legislation, most rural regions remain unregulated—allowing large-scale extraction with few restrictions until now.
Since taking office in 2023 Governor Hobbs has advanced measures against overpumping—including ending Fondomonte’s leases on over 3,500 acres elsewhere following reports that lease rates were below market value—and establishing similar regulated areas such as Willcox basin where local advisory councils help shape conservation plans.
“We feel like it has given us hope for a sustainable future,” said Ed Curry, Willcox farmer and council member. “It gave us power.”
Fondomonte continues operations near Vicksburg but faces legal challenges; Attorney General Kris Mayes alleges its excessive pumping violates laws by causing environmental harm—claims contested by company lawyers who argue regulatory authority does not extend over their activities.
Holly Irwin, La Paz County supervisor advocating regulation efforts stated: “You’re starting to see more and more wells get depleted. If we don’t try to slow this thing down, where are we going to be in 20 years?”
Local resident Nancy Blevins experienced her own well running dry before investing in deeper equipment; she keeps bottled reserves ready just in case: “They should start regulating… People’s water levels are dropping around here.” She warns if nothing changes “future generations are going to be in trouble.”
