PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has filed a lawsuit against Fondomonte Arizona, LLC, accusing the company of excessive groundwater pumping in La Paz County. The lawsuit alleges that Fondomonte’s actions violate Arizona’s public nuisance law by endangering public health, safety, and infrastructure in the Ranegras Plain Basin.
The complaint, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, outlines the widespread consequences of Fondomonte’s groundwater extraction, including declining aquifer levels and land subsidence. These impacts harm all residents and businesses reliant on the Basin’s water supply.
“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,” said 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.”
Alfalfa Export and Groundwater Depletion
Since 2014, Fondomonte has extracted significant amounts of groundwater to grow water-intensive alfalfa for export to Saudi Arabia. In 2023 alone, the company reportedly pumped 31,196 acre-feet of groundwater—enough to supply nearly 94,000 single-family homes for a year.
This massive water use has accelerated the depletion of the Basin’s aquifer, prompting concerns from local communities and state officials.
Legal Action
The State is seeking a court order to:
- Declare Fondomonte’s activities a public nuisance under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2917.
- Prohibit the company from further excessive groundwater pumping.
- Require the creation of an abatement fund to address the damage caused.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of sustainable water management in Arizona, where water resources are under increasing pressure due to agricultural, industrial, and residential demands.
Community Impact
Attorney General Mayes emphasized the broader implications of the case: “This lawsuit is about protecting the rights and future of all Arizonans. Unchecked groundwater pumping jeopardizes not only La Paz County but the health and safety of our entire state.”
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for groundwater management and corporate accountability in Arizona.