Arizona AG Mayes Takes Action Against Saudi Firm Over La Paz County Water Rights

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes has initiated a lawsuit against Fondomonte LLC, a Saudi-owned firm operating alfalfa farms in western Arizona. The legal action seeks to compel the company to cease its alleged over-extraction of groundwater, which has reportedly caused significant harm to neighboring properties.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, claims that the company has created a “public nuisance.” Excessive water pumping has led to the drying up of local wells and soil subsidence around Vicksburg in La Paz County. In addition to these immediate effects, the lawsuit warns of further damage that could result in sediment buildup, negatively impacting water quality and local infrastructure.

This case represents an untested legal approach, aiming to address the challenges posed by large-scale agricultural operations on regional water resources. Mayes’ office is demanding that Fondomonte set aside funds to compensate affected residents, signaling a potentially significant shift in how water use regulations are enforced in Arizona.