By Tony Davis | Arizona Daily Star
Homebuilders fighting it out with environmentalists and the U.S. over the San Pedro River do agree on something: The impact of a federal court case about water rights there could spread statewide.
Arizona’s entire system to ensure there’s enough water for new development is threatened if environmentalists can stop a proposed 6,900-home subdivision in Sierra Vista, homebuilders say.
On the other side, environmentalists and federal officials are worried that if the subdivision is allowed, its groundwater pumping will dry up the San Pedro River, which is world-renowned for its heavy concentration of bird species.
And both sides are worried that a court precedent could be set, affecting development near rivers throughout Arizona.
