Arizona Homeowner Faces Fines for Distributing Free Water

In Goodyear, Arizona, resident David Martin has been repeatedly fined $100 by his neighborhood homeowners association (HOA) for handing out free cold water to neighbors over the past year. Despite his good intentions, his actions have caused tensions with the HOA, leading him to take a stand and challenge the restrictions.

Martin began offering cold water from his driveway during the hot summer months in 2020, aiming to foster community spirit and help those in need, including children, delivery drivers, and dog walkers. His gesture was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when community support was especially vital.

However, last year, the HOA fined him $50 for storing water bottles visibly outside his home. Despite the fines, Martin refused to pay, citing his good-faith efforts to aid neighbors. The HOA clarified that while they don’t oppose the distribution of water bottles, advertising such projects visibly from his property violates community rules.

Martin found a workaround by circulating a neighborhood petition to replace three HOA board members he deems unhelpful. He aims to elect new members who will recognize the community benefit of his initiative. At a homeowners’ meeting in July 2025, he gathered significant support, with 190 out of 210 ballots favoring the removal of the targeted board members.

Despite the majority vote, the HOA questioned the legality of the process, claiming insufficient signatures and improper notice for the special meeting. A dispute over quorum rules ensued, leading to the HOA holding an emergency meeting to invalidate the vote, citing procedural issues.

Martin, backed by legal validation from his HOA management company and attorneys, remains determined to fight the fines and uphold his community efforts. “It’s about more than water; it’s about community unity,” he stated, asserting his confidence in prevailing in court and continuing his outreach.