City officials and residents discuss water woes

There is no question that water is vital to everyone and when it comes to agriculture and water, our farmers will tell you that it’s important every day.

Arizona state senators came to Yuma Friday morning to hear from various voices on water concerns.

State leaders heard an earful from farmers, government officials, and other residents talking about their long-term water infrastructure goals and needs.

“Our water which is the oldest water rights on the Colorado River are being threatened by the urban areas,” shared a protester.

Dozens of key role players in Yuma county’s farming industry, government officials, and other residents voiced their concerns on the water rights of the Colorado River that some said is as complex as a Rubik’s Cube.

“The Arizona project and their work to take away the water rights of some of the Arizona farmers here in Yuma. They plan to take over a million gallons of water from the Colorado River and divert it to Central Arizona,” shared another protester.

Two water bills that were introduced in early February, known as SB1507 and HB1512, are in amid controversy.

The forefronts of the bills: State Representative Rusty Bowers and Senator Gail Griffin.

These bills would essentially allow the Central Arizona project and other entities to decide the allocation of the Colorado River water and stop water users from suing if they don’t like the distribution.

But several agriculture leaders have been trying to get the bills amended.

The state of Arizona is still seeking a permanent solution to this issue.

This is the second of possibly three public meetings that state leaders are having around the state and are considered “listening sessions” on water issues.