In a move lauded by state and local officials, Governor Katie Hobbs backed the Arizona Department of Water Resources' (ADWR) efforts to begin the first formal steps toward establishing a regulated groundwater management plan in the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin. The endorsement stems from concerns about excessive groundwater pumping by corporations, especially those from out of state, which have been impacting local communities in Arizona.
During her visit to La Paz County, Governor Hobbs observed the challenges faced by residents and business owners, a result of unrestricted groundwater extraction. "When I traveled to La Paz County, I saw first hand the struggles of local residents and business owners who have had to deal with unrestricted groundwater pumping from out-of-state corporations who are pumping our state dry while the people of Arizona suffer," Governor Hobbs told the office of Arizona Governor. Pointing out the historical inaction of legislators, she called for a more protective approach toward the state's water resources.
La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin, who has campaigned for groundwater protection for over a decade, expressed relief and support for the initiative. "With the spotlight finally on groundwater issues throughout Arizona, La Paz County now has the ability to protect the Ranegras Plain basin with the creation of an AMA. I applaud the efforts of Governor Katie Hobbs for taking the hard stance to protect these groundwater basins with the statutory tools she has when the legislature has failed for years to help our communities," Irwin said, as detailed in her statement with the office of Arizona Governor.
Local agricultural stakeholders highlighted the critical nature of the situation. "I've farmed and ranched in La Paz County for decades, and seen the changes over time as our water has been pumped out from underneath us," rancher Boyce Andersen commented, signaling the urgency of ADWR's move. On a similar note, Pastor Carroll E. Miles, formerly of The Fellowship Baptist Church of Vicksburg, shared the hardships experienced by his community due to accelerated groundwater depletion, "During the time that I pastored The Fellowship Baptist Church of Vicksburg, we lost our groundwater supply after an out-of-state corporation started drilling additional deep water wells nearby," according to his interview with the office of Arizona Governor.
As an indication of the growing crisis, the Ranegras Plain Basin's annual groundwater outflows have been estimated to outpace replenishment rates by roughly 900%. The declaration of the Initiation of Designation Procedures by ADWR is the first phase in potentially labeling the Ranegras Plain Groundwater Basin as an Active Management Area (AMA), which would bring tighter regulations and oversight. To further involve stakeholders and the public, ADWR will be holding a public hearing on December 18, 2025, at 4:00 pm at the Desert Gold RV Resort in Brenda, AZ. Those looking to access more information on groundwater conditions in the Ranegras Plain basin and upcoming events can visit the provided resource.
