Groundwater

Farmers and Cities Rally Against Arizona Attorney General in Groundwater Lawsuit Showdown

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PHOENIX — In a courtroom clash over Arizona’s water regulations, an attorney representing a coalition of farmers, businesses, and municipalities argued for their right to join a legal battle initiated by the state’s Attorney General, Kris Mayes. The coalition claims that Mayes’ efforts to challenge long-standing water laws could significantly impact their water rights. During a hearing on Tuesday, attorney Brad Pew explained that the state has thus far targeted only Fondomonte LLC, a subsidiary of a Saudi dairy company, Alamari. Mayes has accused Fondomonte of causing a public nuisance by depleting groundwater reserves to … Read more

Exploring Texas Legislation: The Rules and Regulations Overseeing Groundwater Use

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AUSTIN, Texas — In the vast expanse of Texas, water isn’t just a resource but a necessity, driving agriculture, industry, and urban growth. The state’s approach to managing this crucial asset, especially groundwater, is governed by a complex legal framework that shapes how water is accessed and used across various sectors. Texas operates under the “Rule of Capture,” an age-old doctrine with origins in English common law, setting it apart from many other states in how it handles this critical resource. The Rule of Capture allows landowners to pump and utilize the groundwater beneath their … Read more

California Judge Halts State Crackdown on Groundwater Depletion in Farming Heartland

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HANFORD, Calif. — A judge in Kings County has temporarily halted a state enforcement action intended to curb groundwater depletion in California’s prime agricultural region. The ruling, issued Wednesday, provides temporary relief to local farmers from state-mandated groundwater usage monitoring and reporting. This pause will remain in effect until a court hearing scheduled for August, which may extend the injunction. Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini’s decision comes in the wake of the State Water Resources Control Board’s April declaration that placed Kings County water managers on probation. This was a landmark step under California’s comprehensive … Read more

Tehama County Board of Supervisors Address Grand Jury Recommendations, Groundwater Fee Controversy

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Red Bluff, California – The Tehama County Board of Supervisors is set to address the recommendations from the 2024 Grand Jury Report at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday. According to public agency regulations, governing bodies must respond to grand jury reports within 90 days of receiving them. The deadline for Tehama County’s response is March 11. The grand jury report included four recommendations, one of which focuses on compensating individuals who paid the well registration fee. Another recommendation highlights the groundwater sustainability agency’s need to repay a $634,000 loan from the county’s road department, which … Read more