One of the largest farming businesses in Arizona has agreed to use less water and pay $11 million in a deal that state officials say will help preserve disappearing groundwater and provide financial help for residents whose wells have run dry. Arizona Atty. Gen. Kris Mayes announced the binding legal agreement with Minnesota-based dairy company Riverview LLP on Thursday. … Groundwater levels have been dropping rapidly over the last decade in the Willcox area of southeastern Arizona’s Sulphur Springs Valley, where Riverview runs a giant dairy and farming operation. … Under the agreement, Riverview will stop irrigating 2,000 acres of crops in phases within 12 years.

Other groundwater news around the West:

• SJV Water (Bakersfield, Calif.): State abruptly ends year-long silent treatment for Kings County water managers
• The Center Square: Arizona announces settlement over dairy’s groundwater
• Arizona Daily Star (Tucson): Huge Arizona dairy makes deal with state over land fallowing, aid to neighbors
• State Affairs: Riverview Dairy to limit groundwater use in Arizona