September 12, 2026 3:54 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
September 12, 2026 3:54 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
February 14, 2026
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, federal officials are moving forward with new operating guidelines for the Colorado River even though the seven basin states have not yet reached full agreement. The updated rules, expected by October 2026, are meant to provide stability for water deliveries, power generation, and long-term management as drought conditions and declining inflows continue to strain the river system. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said discussions with states, Tribal Nations, and Mexico are ongoing, but federal action is needed to ensure future reliability of the river.
The Colorado River supplies water to about 40 million people, supports millions of acres of farmland, generates hydropower, and serves 30 Tribal Nations, making it one of the most important water sources in the West. Federal officials are currently accepting public comments on the draft environmental review that will guide future reservoir operations.
For CRIT, these federal guidelines are important because Colorado River management decisions directly affect how tribal water rights are protected, how water is allocated in the Lower Basin, and how long-term planning supports the Tribe’s water security, economy, and future generations.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior / Bureau of Reclamation press release
According to Arizona Mirror, Colorado River negotiations hit a setback as Lower Basin states, including Arizona, criticized Upper Basin states for resisting deeper water conservation commitments. Officials say ongoing drought conditions and declining reservoir levels are increasing pressure to finalize new operating rules before current guidelines expire. The disagreement highlights continuing tension over how water reductions should be shared across the basin. For CRIT, these negotiations are important because interstate agreements and federal management decisions directly influence how tribal water rights are protected and incorporated into long-term river planning.
Source: Arizona Mirror — https://azmirror.com/2026/02/13/arizona-blasts-upper-basin-states-for-refusing-cuts-as-colorado-river-talks-fail/
According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, state officials say they will continue protecting Arizona’s Colorado River resources even after basin states failed to reach a consensus ahead of the federal deadline. Leaders emphasized ongoing drought challenges and the need for continued negotiations to maintain stability for water users across the region. State agencies say collaboration with federal partners and neighboring states remains essential moving forward. For CRIT, continued state and federal coordination is significant because long-term Colorado River policies directly affect how tribal water rights are recognized and sustained.
Source: ADWR Statement — https://azwaternews.com/2026/02/13/021326_statement/
According to USA Today, Colorado River negotiations approached a critical deadline without a final agreement, reflecting ongoing disputes over how to manage shrinking water supplies across the Southwest. Experts say declining snowpack, persistent drought, and competing demands are making consensus more difficult as states prepare for new post-2026 operating guidelines. Federal involvement may increase if states cannot reach agreement. For CRIT, these developments matter because federal river management decisions play a key role in protecting tribal water rights and ensuring long-term water security.
Source: USA Today — https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/02/13/colorado-river-deal-deadline/88658491007/
According to Arizona Water News, Arizona water leaders recently received a briefing from the governor’s office, the Arizona Department of Water Resources, and the Central Arizona Project on ongoing Colorado River negotiations as a federal deadline approaches. Officials discussed current drought conditions, possible future cutbacks, and the importance of coordinated state and federal planning to stabilize river supplies. The briefing highlights continued uncertainty as states work toward new post-2026 operating guidelines for the river. For CRIT, these negotiations are important because federal and interstate decisions on Colorado River management directly influence how tribal water rights are protected and incorporated into long-term planning.
Source: Arizona Water News — https://www.azwater.gov/news/articles/2026-02-11
According to KJZZ News, Colorado River basin states are facing a federal deadline to reach an agreement on future water management rules, with uncertainty remaining about whether consensus can be reached in time. Experts say possible outcomes range from short-term agreements to federal intervention if negotiations stall, reflecting ongoing tension between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states. Continued drought and competing water demands have made long-term planning increasingly complex. For CRIT, these negotiations matter because federal decisions about river operations directly affect how tribal water rights are recognized and sustained within the broader basin framework.
Source: KJZZ News — https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2026-02-12/colorado-river-states-are-staring-down-a-feb-14-deadline-heres-what-might-happen-next
According to the Lake Powell Chronicle, federal officials have outlined a post-2026 framework aimed at preventing further decline of the Colorado River system as drought pressures continue. The proposed blueprint focuses on conservation strategies, operational adjustments, and coordinated planning among basin states to stabilize reservoir levels and long-term water supplies. These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to balance environmental conditions, population growth, and water demand across the Southwest. For CRIT, long-term federal planning for the Colorado River is significant because these policies help shape how tribal water rights are protected and managed for future generations.
Source: Lake Powell Chronicle — https://lakepowellchronicle.com/stories/feds-unveil-post-2026-blueprint-to-avert-colorado-river-collapse,99303
According to ABC 15 Arizona, researchers at Arizona State University are developing technology that converts industrial wastewater into ultra-pure water, potentially expanding future water reuse options in the Southwest. Scientists say advanced treatment methods could help supplement limited freshwater supplies while supporting growing populations and industries. Water recycling and reuse are increasingly discussed as part of long-term drought resilience strategies. For CRIT, emerging water reuse technologies may play a role in future regional water planning as tribes, states, and federal agencies work to protect limited Colorado River resources.
Source: ABC 15 Arizona — https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/asu-turns-industrial-wastewater-into-ultra-pure-water
According to KJZZ News, potential Colorado River cutbacks could increase operating costs for Arizona water utilities and even affect their credit ratings, which utilities rely on to fund infrastructure projects. Analysts say uncertainty around long-term river supplies makes financial planning more difficult and could raise costs tied to water treatment, delivery, and conservation investments. These financial ripple effects show how water shortages extend beyond environmental concerns into economic stability across the region. For CRIT, shifts in regional water costs and infrastructure planning can influence broader river management decisions that ultimately affect how tribal water rights are maintained and utilized.
Source: KJZZ News — https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2026-02-11/colorado-river-cuts-could-increase-arizona-utilities-costs-and-affect-their-credit-ratings
According to the Sierra Vista Herald Review, basin states are facing an approaching deadline to agree on new Colorado River management guidelines before current rules expire. Ongoing disagreements between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states, combined with continued drought pressures, have slowed negotiations and raised concerns about potential legal disputes if a consensus is not reached. Federal oversight remains a key factor in shaping how future allocations will be determined. For CRIT, these negotiations are important because federal river management decisions directly affect how tribal water rights are recognized, protected, and incorporated into long-term basin planning.
Source: Sierra Vista Herald Review — https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/state/deadline-approaches-for-colorado-river-negotiations/article_5dd6fa1d-eed1-4d98-82f2-4a754853da3c.html
According to KTNV Channel 13 News in Las Vegas, low snowpack levels across the Mountain West are raising concerns about water supplies for Southern Nevada and the broader Colorado River Basin. Snowpack acts as a natural reservoir that feeds rivers and storage lakes during spring runoff, so below-average levels can reduce future water availability and increase pressure on already stressed reservoirs. Experts say continued dry conditions could complicate long-term water planning across the Southwest. For CRIT, declining snowpack is significant because reduced river flows can influence future allocation decisions and federal management strategies affecting tribal water resources.
Source: KTNV News — https://www.ktnv.com/news/why-low-snowpack-levels-raising-alarms-for-southern-nevada-water-supply
According to Newsweek, new data showing concerning water levels at Lake Powell is adding to ongoing worries about the long-term stability of the Colorado River system. Reservoir levels play a critical role in determining water deliveries, hydropower production, and shortage declarations throughout the Southwest. Continued drought conditions combined with sustained demand have kept pressure on the basin’s major storage systems. For CRIT, reservoir conditions remain important because federal water management decisions tied to storage levels directly affect how tribal water allocations are managed and protected.
Source: Newsweek — https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-levels-as-concerning-data-revealed-11500468
According to the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, Lake Powell and Lake Mead have recently shown differing storage trends, reflecting the complexity of managing water across the Colorado River system. Researchers say reservoir operations, inflows, releases, and ongoing drought conditions all contribute to shifting water levels that can affect supply planning throughout the basin. Understanding how these reservoirs interact is key to long-term river management decisions. For CRIT, these reservoir dynamics matter because federal operational decisions tied to storage levels directly influence how Colorado River water is allocated and protected for tribal communities.
Source: Center for Colorado River Studies — https://qanr.usu.edu/coloradoriver/news/blog-2026-2-9
According to KJZZ News, the Colorado River Basin is experiencing one of its driest winters in decades, with snowpack levels far below average in key areas that supply water to Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Scientists warn that reduced snowpack could lead to lower river flows this year, increasing pressure on already strained reservoirs and complicating ongoing negotiations over long-term water management. Because snowpack acts as the primary natural storage system for the river, weaker winters often translate into tighter water supplies downstream. For CRIT, these conditions matter because reduced river flows can influence future allocation decisions, federal management strategies, and long-term planning for tribal water resources.
Source: KJZZ News — https://www.kjzz.org/science/2026-02-09/the-colorado-river-is-having-its-driest-winter-in-decades
According to ABC News, record-low snowpack across much of the western United States is raising concerns about potential water shortages, wildfire risks, and continued stress on major river systems including the Colorado River. Experts say warmer temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns are reducing snow accumulation that normally feeds reservoirs during spring runoff. These trends could influence future water allocation planning as states and federal agencies work toward updated river management strategies. For CRIT, changes in snowpack levels matter because they directly affect Colorado River flows that shape long-term water availability and policy decisions impacting tribal communities.
Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/US/wireStory/record-snow-drought-western-us-raises-concern-spring-130016613
According to the San Mateo Daily Journal, a key deadline is approaching for Colorado River basin states to reach an agreement on new water management rules before current guidelines expire. Ongoing disagreements between upper and lower basin states, combined with persistent drought conditions, have slowed progress and increased concerns about potential legal disputes if consensus is not reached. Federal oversight plays a major role in shaping these negotiations, particularly for the Lower Basin where water allocations are closely regulated. For CRIT, these negotiations are significant because future federal river management decisions directly affect how tribal water rights are recognized, protected, and incorporated into basin planning.
Source: San Mateo Daily Journal — https://www.djournal.com/news/national/deadline-approaches-for-colorado-river-negotiations/article_5a129b32-06cb-50c0-8945-5186943db1db.html
According to KJZZ News, a new groundwater monitoring tool developed in Nevada is helping scientists better understand how groundwater pumping affects habitats, water availability, and long-term sustainability across the Mountain West. Researchers say improved data can support more informed water management decisions as communities balance development, agriculture, and environmental needs. Groundwater use is increasingly important as surface water supplies face ongoing pressure from drought and climate variability. For CRIT, regional groundwater management discussions matter because they influence broader basin water planning and long-term strategies for protecting tribal water resources.
Source: KJZZ News — https://www.kjzz.org/science/2026-02-08/a-nevada-groundwater-tool-highlights-strained-habitats-with-lessons-for-the-mountain-west
According to Reuters, the Colorado River has been identified as the most endangered river in the United States due to ongoing drought, rising demand, and increasing pressure on its limited water supplies. Experts say declining reservoir levels, climate impacts, and competing state interests continue to challenge long-term sustainability across the basin. The designation highlights growing national attention on the need for cooperative water management and conservation efforts. For CRIT, this recognition underscores the importance of protecting tribal water rights as regional policies evolve to address long-term river stability.
According to KJZZ News, Colorado River negotiators may be leaning toward a short-term agreement as states remain divided on a long-term plan for managing the river before current operating rules expire. Ongoing drought, climate pressures, and disagreements between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states have stalled progress, and some officials believe a temporary deal could help avoid a major court battle while allowing more time for negotiations. Is a five-year deal better than no deal? As Nevada water negotiator John Entsminger noted, “If the alternative is litigation… then a five-year deal starts pretty good,” reflecting concerns that legal disputes could complicate future water management even further. For CRIT, these discussions remain important because federal river management decisions, compact negotiations, and potential legal outcomes directly affect how tribal water rights are protected, recognized, and sustained for future generations.
According to AZ Free News, the Arizona House has approved an additional $1 million for the state’s Colorado River litigation fund, signaling growing concern that water allocation disputes could end up in court as negotiations over future river management continue. State leaders say the funding is meant to ensure Arizona is prepared to defend its interests if talks between basin states break down, reflecting increasing tension as drought, population growth, and competing demands strain the river system. Legal disputes have historically shaped water distribution in the Lower Basin, including the Arizona v. California Supreme Court decision that affirmed tribal water rights. For CRIT, continued legal developments around Colorado River allocations are significant because court decisions often influence how tribal water rights are protected, enforced, and recognized in future negotiations.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, ongoing drought conditions and limited snowpack are increasing pressure on Colorado River water supplies, raising concerns that the basin may face even tighter shortages in the near future. Experts note that declining reservoir levels and continued demand across the Southwest make it harder to stabilize the system, especially as negotiations continue over future operating rules. Some officials warn that without significant conservation or improved conditions, legal disputes between basin states could become more likely. For CRIT, ongoing shortage risks matter because long-term river stability and federal allocation decisions directly influence how tribal water rights are protected and exercised.
According to Arizona Capitol Times, a judge is reviewing whether agricultural groundwater pumping by Fondomonte in western Arizona constitutes a public nuisance, a case that could shape future groundwater regulation statewide. The lawsuit argues that heavy pumping may be affecting nearby wells and water sustainability, highlighting ongoing tensions between agriculture, development, and long-term water conservation. Outcomes from cases like this can influence how groundwater use is monitored and regulated across Arizona. For CRIT, groundwater policy discussions are important because regional water management decisions can affect broader basin planning and long-term protection of tribal water resources.
According to Nevada Current, growing data center development across the Southwest is increasing demand for both water and power, raising concerns among regulators and rural communities about sustainability. Large technology facilities often require significant cooling resources, prompting discussions about infrastructure planning, water efficiency, and future resource allocation. As population growth and technology expansion continue, water demand from emerging industries is becoming part of broader basin conversations. For CRIT, rising industrial water demand across the region highlights the importance of protecting tribal water rights and ensuring long-term sustainability of Colorado River resources.
Article written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
Last week was filled with proud moments, happy tears, and celebrations as students across the community marked important milestones in their educational journeys.
The celebrations began Thursday, May 21, with the Parker Alternative Graduation ceremony that morning. Later that evening, families gathered again as students from Wallace Jr. High and Le Pera Elementary School took part in their promotion ceremonies, marking their next step forward.
The excitement continued Friday, May 22, with Parker High School’s Graduation celebration. Before the ceremony, graduates took part in a parade through town, where family, friends, and community members lined the route to cheer them on as they passed by. It was a special moment of recognition, not only for the graduates, but for everyone who supported them along the way.
The week ended Saturday, May 23, with the Head Start Promotion, a celebration filled with excitement, smiles, and a few tears from both parents and students. Although Head Start was the final event of the week, for many students, it represents where their educational journey first began.
Each ceremony served as a reminder of growth, hard work, and the importance of community support. From the youngest students taking their first big step forward to high school graduates preparing for new opportunities, each milestone is worth celebrating.
Congratulations to all the students who walked across the stage, down the aisle, or through the crowd of cheering loved ones. May you continue to shine, reach your goals, and move forward with confidence.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
The Bureau of Reclamation told all 30 Tribal Nations in the Colorado River Basin on May 8th that they will no longer seek to allocate across-the-board shortages to all water users as previously proposed but instead will follow current law and respect senior tribal rights. This is a major victory for CRIT, Tribal rights advocates, and holders of senior water rights. As stated by CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores “We are pleased that Reclamation has finally decided to drop its illegal proposal to disregard CRIT’s senior water rights and allocate shortages without regard to priority.” Chair Flores continued, “Tribal Council has never backed down on the issue of protecting our Tribal rights. Throughout this process, Reclamation, and many others, have proposed for setting aside the priority system and for all water users to share equally in shortages. We know this is wrong and we were prepared to defend our senior water rights all the way to the Supreme Court. Fortunately, Reclamation has understood the seriousness of our position and dropped its proposal.”
Tribal Council has opposed these so called “pro-rata” shortages since they were first proposed by Reclamation over two years ago to manage reductions in Colorado River water due to overuse and climate change. Over this time, Tribal Council has been in support to stop the implementation of pro-rata shortages through an intensive and coordinated advocacy effort with the Trump Administration. This included many trips to Washington, DC, meetings with state-wide elected officials, and direct government-to-government consultation with senior Trump Administration officials.
While these efforts paid off in the statements made by Reclamation last week, the process regarding how the dams on the Colorado River will be operated is still ongoing. The CRIT Tribal Council understands that while the Reclamation’s reversal is a critical milestone, the fight to protect and preserve CRIT’s rights remain. As stated by Councilman Tommy Drennan “we will never rest in protecting and preserving our rights, not just for today but for future generations. “
CRIT’s water rights date back to the creation of the reservation, March 3, 1865 and are the most senior tribal water rights in the Lower Colorado River basin. We expect Reclamation to issue a final environmental document sometime in June.
During the mid-1800s, as the American Southwest was rapidly changing, Charles Debrille Poston emerged as one of the key figures helping shape the future of Arizona. A strong promoter of the region and its opportunities, Poston would later earn the nickname “Father of Arizona” for his efforts to establish Arizona as its own territory.
Poston was born on April 20, 1825, in Kentucky. Like many Americans of his time, he moved west in search of opportunity as new lands opened following the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. He soon became involved in mining ventures and settlement efforts in southern Arizona, particularly around the community of Tubac. His work promoting the region helped bring national attention to Arizona’s potential during a time when the area was still largely considered a frontier.
When the Arizona Territory was officially created in 1863, Poston was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the territory, a position that required him to travel throughout Arizona and meet with tribal leaders across the region. His duties frequently brought him to the lower Colorado River, an important transportation corridor that connected Arizona with California and Nevada.
During these travels, Poston visited areas along the river near present-day Parker, where Native communities had lived for generations. The Colorado River served as a lifeline for tribes of the region, supporting agriculture, trade, and daily life long before American settlers arrived. By the early 1860s, however, the arrival of miners, settlers, and military expeditions was beginning to reshape the Southwest and create new challenges for Native communities.
Among the tribal leaders working to navigate these changes was Mohave leader Chief Irataba, known for his diplomacy and efforts to work with federal officials while protecting his people and their homeland. Territorial leaders like Poston met with tribal representatives as the United States government considered how to organize the region and respond to increasing pressure on tribal lands. (more…)
In early May , there were press reports regarding the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California, and Nevada releasing a proposal on how to manage shortages on the Colorado River system through the end of 2028. The proposal identifies how current and future shortages on the Colorado River system will be apportioned among the three states. It establishes goals for the conservation of water and proposes studies to reoperate the reservoirs on the Colorado River to allow for water deliveries at lower elevations.
The Lower Basin Proposal also established a Tribal Pool in Lake Mead setting aside water to specifically address future shortages for those Tribes that receive their water through the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and may be shorted as CAP allocations are diminished. We want to be clear with you that this Tribal Pool does not pertain to CRIT because our water comes directly from the Colorado River and NOT delivered through the CAP. Our water rights are the senior Tribal rights in the Colorado River Basin and senior to the CAP.
Tribal Council has taken no formal position on this proposal, and we were not involved in its drafting or negotiation. We do appreciate, however, that this proposal does not seek to set aside the priority system in allocating shortages, which some in the Lower Basin states have pushed for in the past. Retaining the priority system for allocation of shortages has been the biggest concern of Tribal Council throughout the Post 2026 Process and we want to acknowledge the Basin States holding firm on this position. We are concerned, however, about the significant federal investment it will take to implement this proposal and want to be assured that portions of these federal funds will be expended on all Tribal Nations in the Basin.
Tribal Council has been in contact with leadership from Arizona and will continue to monitor how this, and other proposals for the management of the Colorado River, will be viewed by Reclamation. Tribal Council is also in continuing contact with Reclamation and will hold a government-to-government consultation with Senior Reclamation leaders on June 1st. We will continue to update membership as these matters develop.
TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona will host a special series of sign unveiling ceremonies on Friday, September 4, 2026, honoring the four languages of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT): Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, & Navajo. These ceremonies represent an important milestone in an ongoing campus-wide initiative to elevate the visibility, recognition, and continued presence of Indigenous languages and cultural heritage within the campus community.
The events are organized by the University of Arizona’s Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement (NAATE) in collaboration with individual academic colleges. Students, faculty, staff, tribal community members, and the general public are invited to attend the progression of ceremonies throughout the day.
The schedule for the Friday ceremonies includes:
The celebration of Indigenous culture continues into the weekend with the Native American Heritage Game on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The Arizona Wildcats will face Northern Arizona at Casino Del Sol Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30 PM MST. Pre-game festivities at Bear Down Field will begin at 3:15 PM with the Bear Down Bash, featuring 18-minute cultural performances from each tribe. A traditional gift presentation will follow during the Wildcat Walk at 4:15 PM, leading up to an on-field tribal recognition ceremony during the second quarter of the football game.
For more operational schedules or to register for the unveiling events, please visit the official University of Arizona Event Page.
