Arizona Homeowner Fined for Distributing Free Water
A homeowner in Goodyear, Arizona has found himself in hot water—quite literally—after being fined for giving away free bottled water. David Martin set up a cooler filled with water in his driveway to help people stay cool, but his homeowners association (HOA) issued him a $650 fine, claiming it violated their bylaws regarding unsightly items.
This situation dates back to 2020 when Martin decided to aid those passing by in the scorching heat. His intention was to support kids, delivery personnel, and neighbors, and he expressed his thoughts, saying, “I want to do something to help them.” Initially, the HOA’s warning came in at $25 last summer, and when Martin didn’t comply, it escalated to $100.
Martin maintains that his cooler doesn’t break any rules. He believes it’s a vital service for the community, especially during days when temperatures reach over 100 degrees.
The controversy surrounding Martin’s cooler has generated significant attention, even landing him in national headlines. Support has poured in, with over 150 bottled water donations sent his way.
As the battle continues, Martin has learned that suing the Canyon Trail Unit 4 West Homeowners Association could cost him between $40,000 and $50,000 in legal fees. But he’s not backing down.
Although he can’t pay for legal assistance out of pocket, Martin has embraced his newfound publicity, launching a custom sneaker business and selling t-shirts that say “Free. Cold. Water.” Proceeds from these sales go toward his fight to keep the cooler in his driveway. As for the HOA’s stance, they claim that while they don’t oppose him giving away water, promoting it on his lawn is against community rules.
The association stated, “The association does not oppose residents who provide water bottles within the community. However, the rules of the community do not allow residents to promote water bottle distributions from portable ice chests next to garages visible from nearby property.”
Martin argues that because he moves the cooler inside each night, it shouldn’t be deemed a permanent structure. He recalls how his grandfather inspired him to give back, having once turned his home into a community food pantry.
Reflecting on his motivations, Martin quoted his grandfather: “You’re a good boy. Always do the right thing.” He aims to uphold that principle.
What began as complaints about the cooler now seems like a personal vendetta, particularly after Martin initiated a petition to remove three board members from the HOA. A special meeting was convened on July 10 to address this matter.
Of the 210 votes cast, an overwhelming 190 voted for the removal. However, the board deemed the vote invalid, claiming the meeting was poorly organized and questioned whether the number met quorum requirements for a community of over 1,000 homes.
Martin has argued that the vote was valid and meets the necessary quorum. He expressed concern that these disputes reflect poorly on HOA operations across the country.
Looking ahead, Martin suggests that if the court rules against him, he might explore alternative ways to provide water, potentially creating a more permanent setup similar to “little free libraries” that have popped up in various neighborhoods.
For now, though, his focus remains on selling those t-shirts, securing legal representation, and seeing how this unusual case unfolds.
