Arizona’s water dilemma reminiscent of Heartland aquifer depletion

David Hunter

Submitted Photo/David Hunter

OPINION — “A race to the bottom of the aquifer,” and “Water governance aligned with corporate interests.”

The two quotations above are from the book, “Running Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains,” by Lucas Bessire. It is available in the Sun City West Library as well as others in the Valley and online.

In his book, Bessire describes the depletion of the giant Ogallala Aquifer that underlies much of the U.S. Heartland. Specifically, he describes the effect of this depletion on his family homestead and nearby farms in Southwest Kansas.

I have referenced this book because I believe it is a forbearer of the future of Arizona’s water if corporate interests are allowed to overrule scientific facts.

Consider the lawsuit brought against the Arizona Department of Water Resources by the Homebuilders Association of Central Arizona and supported by Steve Montenegro, speaker of the Arizona House and Warren Petersen, state Senate president.

This action is to force the ADWR to revise water allotment regulations for the Homebuilders Association to access water that is already allocated to others, including Sun City West.

Think about it: our 100-year assured and adequate water supply may become a much smaller asset and may run out much sooner than projected if the Homebuilders Association is ultimately successful with the lawsuit.

When the water runs out in 30, 40 or 50 years from now, these corporate entities will be long gone and not around to help the homeowners and others with huge water restrictions, or no water at all.

Remember these names: Steve Montenegro and Warren Petersen, our elected officials siding with corporate profits over science.

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