Water is a precious and essential resource, yet the community of Rio Verde Foothills in Arizona is currently facing a severe water crisis. The declining flows of the Colorado River and the extensive “wildcat” development in the suburban area have resulted in a shortage of water supply, which needs immediate attention.
Rio Verde Foothills is a suburban area that has experienced significant growth in recent years. The demand for water has increased as a result of this growth, and the current water crisis threatens the livelihoods of many residents in the area. The proposed legislation to address this issue will not only provide immediate relief but will also prevent further wildcat development that would exacerbate the situation.
The proposed legislation, HB2561, introduced by Representative Alexander Kolodin and Senator John Kavanagh, has received support from both Democrats and Republicans from urban and suburban areas, who understand the urgent need to address the water crisis. However, some rural interests are skeptical of the legislation, viewing any change to Arizona’s existing groundwater management laws as an existential threat that could open the door to further changes. It is crucial, however, for rural Arizona to recognize that the water crisis in Rio Verde Foothills is not just a suburban problem but an Arizona problem. The large cities in Arizona depend on the Colorado River for their water supply, and as the river flows decrease, the situation will only worsen.
The proposed legislation is a reasonable compromise that will benefit all Arizonans, including those in rural areas. It will provide relief to the suburban community of Rio Verde Foothills as well as other, similar, areas, while ensuring that Arizona’s water resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of all. The legislation clarifies existing laws against wildcat development, which is necessary to prevent future water crises in the state just like this one.
It is understandable that rural interests might be concerned about any changes to existing groundwater management laws. However, the proposed legislation is a necessary step to prevent future crises and ensure that Arizona’s water resources are managed sustainably. The legislation is not an existential threat to rural Arizona, but a necessary step to ensure that all Arizonans have access to a reliable and sustainable water supply. The Federal government is currently considering several proposals to dramatically curtail the delivery of Colorado River water to our state. Any cutbacks are sure to fall heavily upon farmers. Taking common sense measures like this one can help show the federal government that Arizona is already doing everything it can to use its water supply in a sustainable fashion – a powerful argument against dramatic additional cutbacks.
In conclusion, the water crisis in Rio Verde Foothills is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The proposed legislation is a necessary step to manage Arizona’s water resources sustainably and prevent future crises. Rural Arizona must recognize that the water crisis in the suburbs is not just a suburban problem but an Arizona problem. It is time for rural Arizona to consider the interests of urban and suburban Arizona and support the proposed legislation. It is in the best interest of all Arizonans to manage their water resources sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.