Glaunsinger: Town pumping is ruining riparian washes

Morningside residents are deeply concerned about the town’s pumping nearly 100,000 gallons of water daily from the aquifer that has historically flowed into our privately owned and unique riparian washes that border Morningside.

As a result of the town’s indiscriminate pumping, trees, cattails, bushes and other plants in our washes are dying or dead. The animals and birds that inhabit this rare desert riparian environment are no longer there.

Though the town has recently applied for the right to pump 300-acre-feet of water per annum, (over 97 million gallons), there has been no environmental impact study. Since its application, no town official has contacted nor met with our HOA board or residents to address the negative impact the pumping has had on our property and the increased risk of wildfire to our neighborhood and  town.

Fire embers blowing into our dry washes from a nearby wildfire would devastate Morningside homes. This summer we have had three desert fires within 15 miles of Fountain Hills.

The 2022 Fountain Hills Environmental Plan states “the town leaders recognize the importance of natural wash areas, preservation of wildlife corridors and native plant communities … The Fountain Hills community values wildlife, natural beauty, and scenic vistas and continues to protect washes … implementing existing ordinances, policies and practices that limit disturbance of natural areas…”  

It is obvious town leaders have not adhered to this plan, nor recognize riparian water rights, which are subject to the reasonable use of the water, meaning the water user (Town of Fountain Hills) cannot interfere with the preservation of a downstream riparian area landowner. Arizona has lost more than 90% of its riparian areas, which are considered to be one of Arizona’s rarest natural communities.

We encourage all Fountain Hills residents to contact town officials to voice their concerns.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.