Quick recap
The Water Alliance of La Paz County held its first official virtual meeting to discuss groundwater issues and upcoming legislation affecting the region. The meeting covered basic groundwater information presented by Neha Gupta from the University of Arizona, updates on the Renegras Plain Basin Active Management Area (AMA) designation, and detailed discussion of House Bill 2758 regarding water transfers from McMullen Valley. Key concerns were raised about WAM’s plans to drain the aquifer and the potential for water to be transferred to urban areas, with participants expressing frustration about legislative processes and lack of community representation. The group discussed legal options and the importance of data collection through new community libraries, while emphasizing the need for continued community involvement in opposing the transfer bill and supporting local water management.
Summary
Water Alliance Virtual Meeting
The Water Alliance of La Paz County (WALPC) held its first virtual meeting to discuss groundwater issues across the county, not just McMullen Valley. Board members introduced themselves, including Gary Saiter, DeVona Saiter, James Rinehart, Phil Roxworthy, Susan Poland, Holly Irwin, and Marieke McArthur. The meeting focused on sharing information about WALPs goals and objectives regarding local aquifers, with plans to record the session for those unable to attend.
Water Alliance Board Updates
The Water Alliance of La Paz County provided updates on its formation and structure. The group established a board of directors with seven members representing different parts of the county, and submitted an application for 501c3 status. Marieke outlined the WALP’s focus for 2026, which will center around public education, promoting aquifer stability, and providing informed input on groundwater management, including the Renegris AMA. The conversation ended with an introduction to Neha Gupta, who will present information about groundwater and aquifers.
La Paz County Groundwater Management
Neha provided a high-level overview of groundwater and aquifers in La Paz County, explaining that the region’s groundwater is primarily comprised of five basins including the Renegras Plain Basin, which was recently designated as an Active Management Area (AMA). Susan Craig detailed the implications of the AMA designation, noting that it aims to reduce groundwater overdraft by 50% in 50 years through binding limits on irrigation expansion, water rights, and well drilling. Gary emphasized the importance of public input in the management process, particularly given the significant role of agriculture in the basin and ongoing legal challenges with Fondamante.
Groundwater Transfer Basin Legislation Discussion
The meeting focused on groundwater transfer basins and legislation, particularly House Bill 2758 regarding McMullen Valley. Holly explained that the bill aims to allow eligible entities to move groundwater, but opponents argue it could set a dangerous precedent. Gary expressed concern about legislators’ lack of understanding about the bill’s impact on rural communities, noting that the Alliance opposes the bill. The group discussed the importance of educating lawmakers and the public about the potential consequences of the legislation.
Ranegras Plain Transfer Basin Legislation
The group discussed legislation to convert Ranegras Plain into a transfer basin, with Holly explaining the historical context and connections to Stan Barnes, the WAM lobbyist who previously helped create transfer basins through the 1991 Transportation Act. Holly described how local representatives initially opposed the bill but later shifted their position after meetings with Gail Griffin, though they remained concerned about the precedent it would set. The discussion revealed that while rural representatives are now opposing the bill, there remains uncertainty about the governor’s position on the legislation, though Holly reported that the governor is not happy with the current situation and indicated they would need to maintain pressure regarding water protection.
LABrary Water Testing Site Launch
Susan Craig presented the launch of two new LABrary locations in Patagonia and Winden in partnership with the Department of Environmental Quality, which provides community access to scientific tools for water quality testing and data collection. The initiative aims to address data gaps outside active management areas and support community science efforts. Gary highlighted the importance of the program for well users in McMullen Valley, noting that approximately 800 people rely on well water in the area. Marieke emphasized the need for data collection to prove that individual well users are not using the majority of water, which is important for legislative advocacy. The conversation ended with Tahnee Robertson from Southwest Decision Resources facilitating a Q&A session to gather input for future priorities and goals.
WAM Water Depletion Concerns Meeting
The meeting focused on concerns about WAM’s water depletion plans and HB 2758 legislation. Gary explained that WAM plans to drain the aquifer faster than it can replenish, potentially depleting 49,000 acre-feet annually, which could last about 60 years until reaching the legal minimum depth of 1,200 feet. The group discussed attending an upcoming community meeting at 5:30 PM the next day at the Centennial Community Center in Wenden to challenge WAM’s plans directly. Participants were encouraged to contact senators opposing the bill and consider legal representation options, with Philip mentioning potential high-level legal assistance through his network.