Communities in Arizona are Sinking Due to Groundwater Drilling by Saudi-Owned Farms

The aftermath includes properties sinking in regions like McMullen Valley, with communities now situated three feet or more below their 1991 levels. A significant portion of this subsidence, nearly a foot, occurred since 2015, coinciding with the commencement of corporate drilling for groundwater.

Corporate activities, particularly by entities like Al Dahra, an Emirati-based company, have led to the sinking of the entire town by four feet. This alarming situation has prompted concerns from Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who describes it as both stunning and horrific for the affected residents.

The majority of its inhabitants, consisting mainly of farmers and retirees, intend to spend their entire lives in the valley. However, they share a common problem that is exacerbating over the years–the sinking of their land.

Hobbs announced the cancellation of Fondomonte Arizona’s lease in Butler Valley and the non-renewal of three additional leases next year, signaling a significant shift in the state’s approach to managing its groundwater resources.

The farm was found to be in clear default by extracting substantial quantities of groundwater without restraint, a practice Hobbs deemed unacceptable, emphasizing the need for accountability and sustainable water use in the state.

This practice has raised concerns given the significant water requirements for alfalfa cultivation— a crop that is banned in Saudi Arabia to conserve water resources, highlighting the global complexities of water management in agriculture.

This action reflects the state’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources and enforcing environmental compliance, even in the face of potential appeals from the affected company.

The persistence of corporate activities, even after regulatory interventions, raises questions about the effectiveness of current water management policies.

While variable precipitation is a normal part of the state’s arid and semi-arid climate, the extended dry period, interrupted only by a limited number of wet years, has exacerbated the water scarcity issue. The canyon topography of the Western U.S., conducive to large reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell, provides some relief but is not a panacea.

Today, the depth has significantly increased to 542 feet.

Reports of homes cracking due to subsidence from industrial farming highlight the urgency of addressing the crisis.

The Environmental Protection Agency warns that the rising temperatures, coupled with a 40-50% increase in heat-trapping carbon since the 1700s, are likely to exacerbate water scarcity issues. The state’s reliance on groundwater is unsustainable, especially when considering the faster depletion compared to nature’s replenishment rate.

The urgency of the situation demands a comprehensive approach to water conservation and policy reform.

The facility, dedicated to cloud computing and artificial intelligence, requires substantial water for cooling purposes, reflecting a considerable environmental footprint associated with high-tech industry demands.

These systems consume large quantities of water, highlighting the substantial environmental costs associated with maintaining advanced technological infrastructure, particularly in resource-sensitive areas like Goodyear.

The Atlantic notes this lack of transparency, raising questions about the accountability and environmental stewardship of tech giants, especially in regions where water is a critical and scarce resource.

This statistic underscores the significant impact of such industrial activities on local water resources.

While the immediate effects on water availability for residents may be minimal, there is still the potential for long-term consequences for regional water security and community well-being.

By 2021, the company had invested over $1 million in the community, focusing on STEM education, worker training, and environmental projects like tree planting and river cleanup.

The increasing demand for water by large data centers poses additional challenges in a region already facing environmental stresses, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices.

The need for regulatory oversight and strategic planning is crucial to ensure that technological development does not compromise environmental sustainability.

This initiative aims to better regulate and monitor water use, ensuring a more sustainable approach to groundwater extraction.

This collaborative effort recognizes the interconnectedness of water challenges and the importance of sharing resources and knowledge.

Reforms in groundwater laws, increased conservation efforts, and collaborative strategies are essential components of a sustainable solution. As Arizona navigates these challenges, it serves as a case study for regions worldwide grappling with the complex interplay of human activities and environmental consequences.