It’s illegal to refuse to give someone water in Arizona. I’ve heard this said so often that I took it for granted it was actually true. But is it actually illegal to refuse to give someone water if they ask for it?
You know how it is, if something is repeated often enough, eventually we start to believe it. I’ve heard a lot of people say this often, so I decided to do a deeper dive to learn the truth. Is it illegal to refuse to give someone water, and if so, what’s the penalty? Keep reading. I think you might be surprised at the answer.
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What’s Really Going On With Arizona’s “Water Law”?
If you’ve lived in Arizona long enough, you’ve probably heard the rumor: If someone asks you for water, you’re legally required to give it to them.It’s one of those desert legends that gets repeated so often it starts to sound like fact. But is it actually true?
Is It Really Illegal To Refuse Someone Water?
According to Jackson White Attorneys at Law, no, you’re not breaking any Arizona law by refusing to hand over water to someone who asks for it. There’s no statute on the books that forces private citizens to share their hydration. The idea of a “free water law” is folklore and legend, and not a legal reality.
Let’s face it, it gets hot here, and a lack of water could be life-threatening. The myth probably springs from our harsh desert environment. Arizona summers can hit triple digits, especially in Phoenix and Tucson. The idea of denying someone water feels morally wrong, even if it isn’t legally prohibited. Heat-related illness is a real danger, and that’s probably why the rumor stuck around.
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Why Do People Think This Law Exists?
It’s just something most of us do in Arizona: help people survive the heat. Most of us carry a refillable water bottle around, and we’re all pushing each other to hydrate…