As new research reveals severe groundwater depletion across the Colorado River Basin over eight decades, the community of Wenden, Arizona, has experienced dramatic land subsidence of 18 feet, serving as a stark example of the water crisis facing the southwestern United States.
Satellite data shows the area has lost massive amounts of underground water, and nature can't refill it as quickly as it's being used by communities, which results in soil and rock collapsing into empty spaces.
Wenden's Water Problem
The issue occurs when underground water is released faster than it can be refilled by rain and snow, causing the empty spaces to collapse. This causes the land to sink, leading to cracked roads, damaged buildings, and broken water pipes. Once the ground sinks, it can't be fixed.
In Wenden, residents used to drill 50 feet down to find water. Now they have to drill thousands of feet deep, and some wells still come up dry. When wells fail, it can cost up to thousands or more to drill a new one.
The New York Post reported that the town receives 38% of its water from the Colorado River, competing with nearby big cities. The rest comes from underground sources that are quickly disappearing.
A significant part of the problem is a large farm operation run by a company called Fondomonte. This Saudi-owned company grows alfalfa hay to ship overseas for cattle feed. According to Arizona's Attorney General, Fondomonte uses 81% of all the underground water in the Wenden area, leaving only 19% for everyone else.
Legal Fight
In 2024, Arizona's Attorney General sued Fondomonte, saying the company's heavy water use has hurt the Wenden community.
“Fondomonte’s unsustainable groundwater pumping has caused devastating consequences for the Ranegras Plain Basin, putting the health and future of the residents of La Paz County at risk,” explained Attorney General Mayes. “Arizona law is clear: no company has the right to endanger an entire community’s health and safety for its own gain.”
Potential Future
Reports say the Colorado River could lose another 30% of its water by 2050 because of climate change. This means more communities will depend on underground water, placing even more pressure on these limited resources.
Experts suggest several solutions, such as stricter limits on water pumping, requiring companies to prove their water use won't harm communities, and investing in water recycling. But these changes take time, and places like Wenden need water now.
“My office will continue to stand up for our communities, our water, and our future.” Kris Mayes continues to show recognition that “we cannot afford to wait any longer to protect our precious groundwater resource.”
