Unfortunately, corporate activities such as those of Al Dahra, an Emirati-based company, have led to the sinking of Wenden by four feet. This alarming situation has prompted concerns from Arizona’s political leaders, with many describing it as stunning and horrific for the affected residents.

The majority of its residents, mainly farmers and retirees, once had planned to spend the rest of their lives in the valley. However, they share a common problem that has been exacerbated over the years: their land is sinking.

The investigation’s results revealed that Fondomonte had extracted substantial amounts of groundwater without restraint. This decision signaled a clear shift in the state’s approach to managing its groundwater resources.

The action was deemed a win in the state’s war against unethical and unsustainable groundwater drilling and reflects Arizona’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources and enforcing environmental compliance.

The persistence of corporate activities, even after regulatory interventions that saw leases revoked, has led many to question the effectiveness of current water management policies and whether or not they should be updated.