Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announces $11 million groundwater use settlement

PHOENIX — Dairy company Riverview LLP has agreed to an $11 million settlement with the state of Arizona in a case concerning its use of groundwater, according to the state’s top prosecutor.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the agreement Thursday, outlining a plan that will reduce the Minnesota-based company’s groundwater use in Sulphur Springs Valley, which is near the Arizona-Mexico border, around 12 miles north of the border town of Douglas.

“The company is agreeing to use less water and do it more quickly than they would have to do under the (Active Management Area),” Mayes said during a Thursday press conference.

It’s a big step forward for locals’ water security. For years, residents have been concerned that the dairy company could deplete their water supplies.

Groundwater settlement with Riverview LLP will help Arizonans, Mayes says

“Riverview has agreed to … spend this amount of money — $11 million — for well drilling, water hauling and groundwater access,” Mayes said. “That money will go into … two separate funds to help ensure continued access to potable water due to falling groundwater levels within the Valley.”

Each of those two funds will be around $5.5 million.

“The funds can be used to drill new wells for those who need it, install water tanks, support water quality and fund other emergency or interim residential water supply measures,” Mayes said.

Additionally, as part of the deal, Riverview will implement new conservation measures, including fallowing or converting 2,000 acres of irrigated farmland.

“The money will be available for impacted residents, schools and special districts, water companies or municipalities that provide domestic water sources,” Mayes said.

The settlement is the first of its kind in Arizona and nationally, she added. More details can be found online.

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