The Pinto Bean Capital of the World is at a boiling point. And it’s not related to the Ferris fire that has torched nearly 65,000 acres nearby. The normally quiet town of Dove Creek has gotten so politically charged that the town hall has had to lock its doors. For more than two months, the once-upon-a-time gas station that serves as town hall has been closed. A sign on the door states it is “due to threats and inappropriate behavior towards the Town staff and Town Board.” The anger is centered on water — specifically water bills. They are being doubled, and that increase has incensed the town’s residents. … Dove Creek sits in the heart of dryland farming country. In recent times it has been too dry even for some dryland crops to grow in this parched corner of the state. 

Other water rate news around the West:

• FOX10 (Phoenix): Gilbert residents express concern as water rates go up once again
• The Denver Post (Colo.): State declares tiny southeast Colorado town abandoned after infighting, resignations and a water crisis