Precedent-Setting Groundwater Settlement Reached Following Gallego’s Push for Stronger Water Management

ARIZONA – Arizona has reached a historic settlement with Riverview, LLP that will reduce the company’s groundwater use and deliver $11 million to impacted residents for well-drilling, water-hauling and groundwater access.  

The agreement follows sustained pressure from then-Representative Ruben Gallego, who previously called on Riverview to improve its water resource management and take responsibility for its impact on Arizona’s groundwater.

“Thanks to Attorney General Kris Mayes’ swift action after hearing community members’ concerns about the Douglas and Willcox groundwater basins, Arizona is taking an important step to conserve our state’s precious groundwater resources,” said Senator Gallego.

Riverview, a Minnesota-based company, operates a 51,000-acre dairy near Willcox, Arizona. Under the settlement, the company agreed to implement new water conservation practices, fallow or transition 2,000 acres of irrigated farmland, and establish two $5.5 million funds to help ensure continued access to clean, reliable water for residents.

“Arizona’s groundwater is not unlimited, and it can’t be treated like a blank check,” said Senator Gallego. “When I was in the House, I raised serious concerns with Riverview about its water management practices and pushed the company to come to the table. This settlement sets an important precedent for Arizona: if you use our state’s water, you have a responsibility to protect it. Conserving our groundwater requires real accountability and collaboration with farmers, local communities like Willcox, and water experts. This outcome proves we can safeguard Arizona’s water future while continuing to support a strong economy.”

Representing a basin state, Senator Gallego understands the urgency of preserving Arizona’s groundwater as levels continue to decline and communities face growing challenges. In the House, he introduced legislation to protect Arizona’s water resources, including the Domestic Water Protection Act, which would levy taxes on foreign governments growing water-intensive crops in drought-stricken areas, and the Drought-Related Overpricing Prevention Act, which directs the Federal Trade Commission to prevent outside investors from exploiting drought conditions through water rights sales. In the Senate, Gallego pushed Trumps’ nominees to protect Arizona’s water rights, by highlighting the urgent need for drought relief in the Colorado River Basin.

1/8/26