August 4, 2026 1:13 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
August 4, 2026 1:13 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
The Bureau of Reclamation has released its Final Environmental Impact Statement for future Colorado River operations, a major step toward deciding how Lake Powell and Lake Mead will be managed after 2026.
The document comes as the current river rules near expiration. The 2007 Interim Guidelines, the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans, and several related agreements are set to expire after the 2026 operating year. Those rules helped guide shortages and coordinated operations between Lake Powell and Lake Mead, but Reclamation said they have not been strong enough to stop the continued decline of the river’s two largest reservoirs.
Instead of adopting one fixed long-term operating plan, Reclamation’s preferred alternative creates a 10-year adaptive framework for operations from 2027 through 2036. Under that framework, operating guidelines could be issued in shorter periods, likely every two years, unless the Basin states reach a longer consensus agreement.
That approach gives the federal government more flexibility as river conditions change. It also shows that the seven Basin states have not yet reached a long-term agreement on how future shortages should be shared.
The Department of the Interior said the framework is meant to guide operations at Lake Powell and Lake Mead while leaving room for future agreements among the Basin states. The preferred alternative includes “sideboards,” or operating limits, that set the range of actions federal officials could use.
Those sideboards include annual releases from Lake Powell between 5 million and 12 million acre-feet, Lower Basin shortages of up to 3 million acre-feet, and new options to store conserved water in Lake Powell and Lake Mead for future use. The framework also allows voluntary Upper Basin conservation of up to 200,000 acre-feet, depending on hydrologic conditions.
Lake Powell and Lake Mead remain central to the federal planning process. Lake Powell helps regulate releases from the Upper Basin through Glen Canyon Dam, while Lake Mead supports Lower Basin deliveries to Arizona, California, and Nevada through Hoover Dam. When either reservoir drops too low, the risk is not only less stored water. Low levels can also affect hydropower, dam operations, deliveries, and the ability to respond to future dry years.
Reclamation’s Executive Summary says the Colorado River supports about 40 million people, nearly 5.5 million acres of agricultural land, ecological resources, hydropower, cultural resources, and communities across seven states and Mexico. It also identifies 30 federally recognized Tribes in the Basin, including the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
The Final EIS directly addresses Tribal concerns. Reclamation said Basin Tribes have expressed that the current approach to Colorado River management does not fully address their rights, needs, and interests. The document says future guidelines should provide more flexibility and predictability for Basin Tribes to benefit from their water rights and participate in voluntary conservation programs.
That language is important because it places Tribal Nations inside the future operating framework, not outside of it. For CRIT, that matters because the Tribe holds senior Colorado River rights and has agricultural, cultural, and governmental interests tied directly to the river.
The Arizona Department of Water Resources released a statement after the FEIS was published. ADWR said Arizona, California, and Nevada submitted a Lower Basin proposal to help stabilize Lake Powell and Lake Mead with more than 3 million acre-feet of water savings over two years. ADWR said the FEIS includes analysis that could allow many core parts of that proposal to move forward.
ADWR also raised concerns. The agency objected to parts of the federal framework that could allow Lower Basin reductions of up to 3 million acre-feet per year, in priority. ADWR said reductions at that level would harm Arizona water users and the state economy. The agency also said the framework does not include Upper Basin reductions or enough use of water stored in reservoirs above Lake Powell.
ADWR said it wants the forthcoming Record of Decision and operating guidelines to follow the May 1 Lower Basin Proposal. That plan includes shared reductions among Arizona, California, and Nevada of 1.25 million acre-feet each year, plus an additional 700,000 acre-feet of system conservation water.
The next major step will be the federal Record of Decision and operating guidelines. Those documents are expected to provide more detail on how operations will be handled through 2028 and how the broader framework will guide decisions through 2036.
For CRIT, the FEIS is significant because future operations at Lake Powell and Lake Mead shape the larger river system where the Tribe’s senior rights are exercised. CRIT is not in the same legal position as many junior-priority users, but federal rules on reservoir operations, conservation programs, shortage planning, and stored water can still influence Basin-wide policy. (more…)
July 16 reporting focused on what future Colorado River rules may need to account for: water users, reservoir levels, river health, and the cost of keeping the system operating.
KJZZ reported that environmental advocates want future Colorado River rules to leave some water for the river itself. The article focused on the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam, where river conditions are shaped by dam operations, reservoir levels, and releases from Lake Powell. Advocates told KJZZ that a healthier river system can also support the water supply system that cities, farms, and ecosystems depend on.
Lake Mead also remained under pressure. Water Online reported that the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is partnering with the federal government to leave water in Lake Mead. The agreement is meant to help slow the reservoir’s decline while the Basin states continue working on new river rules.
Several Nevada outlets reported that Lake Mead is expected to keep dropping. KLAS reported that the reservoir could fall nearly 33 feet by June 2028, and the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that forecasters expect Lake Mead to continue setting record lows over the next two years. KVVU also reported that Lake Mead is nearing its all-time low as Boulder City continues to raise concerns about a proposed data center and its power demands.
Lake Powell remained a major concern as well. St. George News reported that the reservoir reached a critical threshold amid the ongoing Colorado River crisis. Low levels at Lake Powell affect hydropower generation, releases through Glen Canyon Dam, and the overall operation of the river system.
Weather added another layer of uncertainty. CAP Know Your Water News reported that a possible “Super El Niño” could bring wetter conditions to parts of the Southwest, but it does not guarantee relief for the Colorado River Basin. CAP reported that snowpack, runoff, and conditions in the Upper Basin will still determine how much water reaches Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
In the Upper Basin, Colorado water officials announced a new state-run conservation program. Aspen Journalism reported that the program will use federal funding to pay water users to voluntarily reduce use in 2027 and 2028. The program is expected to include criteria meant to avoid negative community impacts, encourage participation across sectors, and support drought resiliency. (more…)
July reporting continued to focus on how Arizona and the wider Colorado River Basin are preparing for reduced water supplies, with attention on Tribal water leadership, advanced water purification, and low reservoir levels.
Lake Powell Chronicle reported on the growing role of Tribal Nations in Arizona water policy. The article focused on how Tribal water rights, settlements, and planning are becoming more central as the state and federal government respond to long-term shortages. The reporting also reflects a broader shift across the Basin, where Tribal Nations are not only water rights holders but key governments in future river decisions.
Arizona water agencies are also looking at new supply options. AMWUA reported on advanced water purification, a process that treats recycled water to drinking-water standards. The technology is receiving more attention as cities look for options beyond traditional surface water, groundwater, and stored credits.
At the same time, Lake Powell remains under serious pressure. ABC News reported that the reservoir is nearing “dead power pool,” the elevation where water levels become too low for Glen Canyon Dam to generate hydropower. Newsweek also reported on concerns about Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including ideas being discussed by scientists and water experts as both reservoirs remain low.
John Fleck at Inkstain described the reservoir conditions as a grim Colorado River milestone. The continued decline of Lake Powell and Lake Mead shows how storage, hydropower, and future water deliveries are tied together. When the reservoirs fall, the issue is not only how much water remains but how the system can continue operating.
California water issues also remained part of the regional picture. Smart Water Magazine reported that California voters rank water among their top priorities for the next governor. While California’s water system is different from Arizona’s, the state remains part of Colorado River negotiations and shares in decisions over future Lower Basin reductions.
The July reports show several parts of the water discussion moving at once. Tribal Nations are gaining more recognition in water policy. Cities are exploring advanced purification. Lake Powell and Lake Mead remain low. States are still facing pressure to plan for a river system that can no longer support all demands in the same way.
What does this mean for CRIT?
For CRIT, the reporting on Tribal water power is directly relevant. It shows that Tribal Nations are becoming more visible in statewide and Basin-wide water decisions, especially as shortages force governments to revisit how water is managed.
CRIT’s senior Colorado River rights are a major part of that larger water policy landscape. As Arizona cities look at reuse, purification, and future water supplies, Tribal rights and Tribal governments remain central to any complete discussion about the river’s future.
The Lake Powell reporting also matters because reservoir levels affect federal operations, hydropower, and shortage planning across the Basin. CRIT’s Water Code and Water Resiliency Act help guide local water management as those conditions change, while the Personhood Resolution reflects the Tribe’s cultural and environmental connection to the Colorado River. (more…)
July reporting continued to focus on how Arizona and the wider Colorado River Basin are preparing for reduced water supplies, with attention on Tribal water leadership, advanced water purification, and low reservoir levels.
Lake Powell Chronicle reported on the growing role of Tribal Nations in Arizona water policy. The article focused on how Tribal water rights, settlements, and planning are becoming more central as the state and federal government respond to long-term shortages. The reporting also reflects a broader shift across the Basin, where Tribal Nations are not only water rights holders but key governments in future river decisions.
Arizona water agencies are also looking at new supply options. AMWUA reported on advanced water purification, a process that treats recycled water to drinking-water standards. The technology is receiving more attention as cities look for options beyond traditional surface water, groundwater, and stored credits.
At the same time, Lake Powell remains under serious pressure. ABC News reported that the reservoir is nearing “dead power pool,” the elevation where water levels become too low for Glen Canyon Dam to generate hydropower. Newsweek also reported on concerns about Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including ideas being discussed by scientists and water experts as both reservoirs remain low.
John Fleck at Inkstain described the reservoir conditions as a grim Colorado River milestone. The continued decline of Lake Powell and Lake Mead shows how storage, hydropower, and future water deliveries are tied together. When the reservoirs fall, the issue is not only how much water remains but how the system can continue operating.
California water issues also remained part of the regional picture. Smart Water Magazine reported that California voters rank water among their top priorities for the next governor. While California’s water system is different from Arizona’s, the state remains part of Colorado River negotiations and shares in decisions over future Lower Basin reductions.
The July reports show several parts of the water discussion moving at once. Tribal Nations are gaining more recognition in water policy. Cities are exploring advanced purification. Lake Powell and Lake Mead remain low. States are still facing pressure to plan for a river system that can no longer support all demands in the same way.
What does this mean for CRIT?
For CRIT, the reporting on Tribal water power is directly relevant. It shows that Tribal Nations are becoming more visible in statewide and Basin-wide water decisions, especially as shortages force governments to revisit how water is managed. (more…)
July 13 reporting showed drought pressure moving from long-term forecasts into visible impacts across Arizona and the Upper Basin.
In southern Arizona, the San Pedro River recorded zero flow at a key monitoring point near Sierra Vista. The Arizona Republic reported that the river ran dry there for only the second time in 122 years of records. The San Pedro is one of Arizona’s last free-flowing rivers, and dry conditions along the river show how drought, groundwater pumping, and heat can affect local ecosystems.
Scottsdale continued reviewing its long-term water planning. KJZZ reported that city officials are preparing for possible Colorado River cuts, including a possible large water-use ordinance. KJZZ reported that Scottsdale relies on Colorado River water for about 70% of its supply, with some parts of the city depending on it even more. The city has also purchased water credits from Harquahala Valley and uses advanced water treatment and recharge as part of its water planning.
Arizona also extended groundwater-related support in Pinal County. AZ Free News reported that state lawmakers extended Pinal groundwater fee relief and irrigation project funding through 2030. The funding is tied to agricultural water planning in a region that has already faced reductions to Colorado River supplies.
Water demand from data centers remained part of the state’s water debate. The Cool Down reported that Arizona paused data center tax breaks for three years after public concern over water and power use. The issue shows how large technology projects are becoming part of water planning as the state considers future growth.
In the Upper Basin, Colorado water groups are working to keep more water in rivers during extreme drought. Steamboat Pilot & Today reported on efforts by the Colorado Water Trust to support river flows, including work connected to the Yampa River and reservoir releases.
The Salt Lake Tribune also reported on a new study measuring how much water Flaming Gorge Reservoir loses to evaporation. That information could help water managers better understand reservoir losses as Lake Powell and other parts of the system remain under pressure. (more…)
Reports show how water concerns are reaching different parts of the West, from city conservation programs in Arizona to tribal water settlements, drought impacts, and ongoing Colorado River negotiations.
In Arizona, cities are encouraging residents to use less water. SignalsAZ reported that Surprise is offering rebates for eligible water-saving improvements. 12News reported that Scottsdale residents can also receive rebates for conservation upgrades. These programs reflect how cities are trying to reduce demand as Colorado River supplies become less reliable.
Tribal water rights remained a major issue. Navajo Times reported that the Diné water settlement has stalled after objections from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. The settlement involves the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and is tied to water infrastructure and access in northeastern Arizona. The four Upper Basin states raised concerns about how the water could be used or leased in the future.
Drought impacts continued in Arizona. Congressman Eli Crane’s office reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued drought disaster designations for several Arizona counties. Gila Valley Central reported that Graham and Greenlee counties were declared primary disaster areas because of drought. These designations can make assistance available to eligible farmers and producers.
The University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center released a toolkit for domestic well owners. The guide covers well maintenance, water quality, testing, and drought planning. It is especially relevant for rural residents who rely on private wells.
Water demand from data centers also remained part of the discussion. KTAR reported on concerns over whether data centers are draining Arizona’s water. As technology projects expand, their energy use, cooling needs, and long-term water demand are drawing more attention.
Across the West, drought pressure continued. KSL reported that experts are watching specific regions and industries facing severe drought impacts. Cowboy State Daily reported that an irrigation district in eastern Wyoming warned water could run out by early August.
Colorado River negotiations also remained unsettled. KNPR reported on where Southern Nevada stands as the current river management agreement nears expiration. KLAS reported that Colorado’s water commissioner said drought conversations remain difficult. KUTV reported that Upper and Lower Basin states failed to reach an agreement on Lake Powell.
Weather added more uncertainty. Several outlets reported rising odds of a strong El Niño. While El Niño can bring wetter conditions to some areas, it does not guarantee drought relief for the Colorado River system. Snowpack, runoff, and soil conditions will still determine how much water reaches reservoirs.
The reports show water planning happening on several fronts. Cities are offering rebates, rural residents are receiving well guidance, Arizona counties are facing drought designations, tribes are waiting on settlement progress, and Basin states are still negotiating future river rules. (more…)
Chairwoman Amelia Flores:
“The Colorado River Indian Tribes appreciates the continued engagement by the Bureau of Reclamation as the Post-2026 Colorado River operations process moves forward. In response to CRIT’s request Reclamation recently reached out to us and walked us through the portions of the final Environmental Impact Statement relating to changes made to the document in response to comments CRIT raised during the process, but we were not shown the entire statement.
We are encouraged that Reclamation has acknowledged in the final EIS the recent action taken by Tribal Council acknowledging the Colorado River is alive and entitled to protection under CRIT Tribal law.We are also encouraged the final preferred alternative does not include allocating shortages on a pro rata basis for all water users, but instead any allocation of shortages would occur through the existing priority system or through agreements between willing parties. As long as federal agencies follow the law CRIT’s senior water rights will be protected.
We remain concerned that the BIA’s failure to properly maintain our irrigation systems adversely impacts on our ability to conserve and properly use our Colorado River water allocation.
We are mindful of the significant shortages that will be borne by tribal and other water users elsewhere in Arizona and we remain hopeful that an agreement between the United States, and the seven basin states that respects tribal sovereignty will be reached.
At the same time, we remain concerned that the highly compressed schedule severely limits our ability to conduct a comprehensive review before the document becomes final. The conversation with Reclamation was helpful, but it was not government-to-government consultation. Going forward, as the preferred alternative is being implemented, CRIT expects true consultation that respects our sovereign status and provides adequate time for meaningful review and input.”
Vice Chairman Dwight Lomayesva:
“This consultation was a good start. Our immediate need is to protect CRIT’s allocation and ensure the federal government follows the law. When received, CRIT will evaluate the final EIS and protect the Tribe’s rights, resources, and future on the Colorado River.”
The CRIT Museum hosted a hands-on bark skirt construction class on July 16 at Lazy D Park, giving participants an opportunity to learn a traditional skill while connecting with cultural knowledge.
The class was led by traditional craftsman Richard Montague of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Reservation. Montague learned bark skirt construction and many other traditional skills from his grandparents, who are Quechan, Maricopa, and Mohave.
During two sessions, Montague guided participants through the process of creating a traditional bark skirt, from preparing harvested plant materials to constructing a finished skirt panel. All materials used during the workshop were harvested from the Tribes’ homelands.
Participants learned how to identify cured willow and cottonwood bark, recognize when the plants are ready to be harvested and carefully collect the bark in a way that allows the plants to continue growing. They also sorted and prepared the bark for weaving before learning how to attach it to a cordage belt foundation. (more…)
The Colorado River has always sustained the Colorado River Indian Tribes, and protecting it means understanding CRIT’s history, sovereignty, and senior water rights. This presentation by Lead Water Counsel John Bezdek walks Tribal Members through the timeline of CRIT’s connection to the river from the original establishment of the Reservation in 1865, to major court decisions, federal infrastructure, drought conditions, water shortages, and current efforts to protect CRIT’s future.
The update also explains why CRIT holds the senior-most Tribal water rights in the Colorado River Basin, what current shortage discussions could mean for the Tribe, why CRIT strongly opposes pro-rata reductions, and how Tribal Council and the CRIT Water Team are working to protect CRIT’s water resources for future generations. Tribal Members are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant, and continue protecting their connection to the river. Click on the link below to download the presentation.
