Residents of Wenden, Arizona, a small town about 60 miles east of the Colorado River Reservation, are grappling with a crisis decades in the making: their land has been sinking for over 80 years. This alarming subsidence, caused primarily by the over-extraction of groundwater by nearby megafarms, has caused the land to sink by more than 18 feet. As a result, locals are forced to dig deeper and deeper wells to access the water they need for survival.
What Happened
Wenden’s land is sinking due to the overuse of groundwater, a crisis exacerbated by the extraction of water by large agribusinesses in the region. The Colorado River, which supplies about 38% of Wenden’s water, is a crucial source for cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix, intensifying competition for its dwindling resources. Over the last 15 years, Wenden’s land has dropped by more than three and a half feet, and it continues to sink by 2.2 inches each year.
Gary Saiter, the head of the Wenden Water Improvement District, described the situation as a “train wreck waiting to happen,” underscoring the unsustainable nature of the ongoing water depletion. As groundwater levels recede, local farmers and residents are forced to dig deeper wells—sometimes thousands of feet underground—just to find enough water to survive.
Who Is Gary Saiter
Gary Saiter serves as the head of the Wenden Water Improvement District, where he works to manage and address water-related challenges for the community. Saiter has been vocal about the growing water crisis in Wenden, raising concerns about the unchecked extraction of groundwater by corporate agribusinesses, which are draining resources from local communities.
Background or Timeline
The problem of land sinking in Wenden has been a longstanding issue, beginning more than 80 years ago due to the relentless extraction of groundwater. Over the past 15 years, Wenden has seen more than three and a half feet of subsidence. The deeper wells required to extract water are a direct result of the rapidly depleting groundwater supplies.
The overuse of water in the Colorado River Basin has been highlighted in a recent study from Arizona State University, which explains how the over-extraction of groundwater causes significant subsidence, particularly in areas like Wenden. As agribusinesses continue to extract vast amounts of water for water-intensive crops like alfalfa, the situation has worsened for local communities.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The situation in Wenden has drawn public attention to the broader issue of groundwater depletion and the impact of corporate agriculture on local communities. Many are calling for greater regulation of water extraction, particularly from foreign-owned agribusinesses, which are seen as contributing to the depletion of local resources. The issue has sparked debates about balancing agricultural needs with the rights of local communities, with many advocating for stronger oversight and regulation of groundwater use.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Arizona’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes, has filed a lawsuit against Fondomonte, a megafarm operator, for its excessive water usage and its detrimental effects on Wenden’s water supply. Fondomonte, owned by Saudi Arabia’s largest dairy company Almarai, grows water-intensive crops like alfalfa in the U.S. Despite their claims of responsible water management, the scale of their water extraction in the region has raised alarm. Estimates suggest Fondomonte uses around 81% of the region’s available groundwater, contributing to the ongoing crisis.
In addition to the lawsuit, political efforts to regulate groundwater use in Arizona have encountered roadblocks. Governor Katie Hobbs has proposed creating rural groundwater management areas, but bipartisan disagreements in the state legislature have hindered progress. As Wenden continues to sink, it remains uncertain whether effective measures will be implemented to protect the town and ensure future water access.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Wenden, Arizona: Land Sinking Due to Groundwater Depletion Sparks Crisis Over Water Rights first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
