Arizona House Bill 2758 (HB 2758), legislation that would allow large-scale transfers of groundwater from the McMullen Valley basin to support development in Central Arizona, continues to move through the state legislature. As the bill advances, residents of western Arizona—including communities in and around Salome and Wenden—are raising significant concerns about its potential impacts on local water resources and long-term aquifer sustainability.
Concerns Raised by Local Residents
During recent legislative testimony and public discussions, several key issues have emerged.
Limited local involvement in drafting the bill.
Many community members have expressed concern that rural residents—those who would be most directly affected by groundwater export—were not meaningfully involved in the development of the legislation.
Lack of publicly shared hydrologic data.
Supporters of the bill have suggested that transferring groundwater could improve water security for local communities such as Salome and Wenden. However, critics say there has been little publicly available data, hydrologic modeling, or independent analysis demonstrating how these outcomes would be achieved.
Potential for significant groundwater export.
The proposal could allow as much as 39,000 acre-feet of groundwater per year to be transported out of the McMullen Valley basin. Residents and water advocates worry that pumping at this scale could accelerate aquifer decline in a region that already depends heavily on groundwater.
Risks to private well owners.
Many homes and small communities in the region rely on private wells for their drinking water. Some local observers warn that if groundwater levels continue to drop, hundreds of residents could face dry wells within the next decade.
Unclear mitigation commitments.
While mitigation measures have been discussed by supporters of the bill, detailed plans—including budgets, timelines, or enforceable commitments—have not yet been publicly presented.
A Broader Debate About Growth and Water
Supporters of HB 2758 argue that rapidly growing areas of Central Arizona require additional water supplies to sustain economic development and housing growth.
Opponents counter that exporting groundwater from rural basins shifts the burden of urban expansion onto smaller communities. Many of these towns have existed for more than a century and rely on the same aquifers for their long-term survival. Critics argue that continued growth in the desert must be balanced with the realities of limited groundwater resources.
Legislative Status
The Arizona House of Representatives has passed HB 2758 after multiple readings and amendments. The bill will now move to the Arizona Senate for consideration.
Why This Matters
The discussion surrounding HB 2758 raises an important and complex question for Arizona:
How do we balance urban growth with long-term groundwater sustainability for rural communities?
For regions like La Paz County—where groundwater is a critical resource—decisions made today could shape water availability for decades to come.
The Role of the Water Alliance of La Paz County
The Water Alliance of La Paz County was formed to help strengthen community understanding of groundwater systems and support informed conversations about water management. The Alliance works to educate residents, share reliable information, and ensure local perspectives are included in discussions about regional water policy. La Paz County Water Alliance St…
The Alliance remains focused on:
- Educating the public about local aquifers
- Supporting long-term groundwater sustainability
- Encouraging local stakeholder participation in water decisions
- Ensuring rural communities have a voice in policies that affect their water future
As HB 2758 moves forward, the Alliance will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates with the community.