July 28, 2026 7:18 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 28, 2026 7:18 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
Per the notice attached below, official comments must be made in writing to CRRMC, therefore comments made on Facebook will not be considered official.
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR (Environmental Review Record) to the Colorado River Residential Management Corporation, Morris P. Sevada III, Executive Director. All comments received by September 24, 2024, will be considered by the Colorado River Indian Tribes prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
Please mail any comments to:
Colorado River Residential Management Corporation
PO Box 3427
Parker, Arizona 85344
To safeguard you and your family, here are a few tips and a fact sheet on West Nile Virus.
KJZZ – Arizona water chiefs report movement in Colorado River talks, potential Lake Powell protections
Arizona water leaders say there is some movement in long-stalled Colorado River negotiations, including discussions around protecting critical elevations at Lake Powell. While no agreement has been reached, officials describe cautious progress as pressure mounts ahead of post-2026 management decisions.
Mohave Valley Daily News – Arizona bill would add $1 million to Colorado River legal fund
Arizona lawmakers are considering adding $1 million to the state’s legal fund to prepare for potential litigation if Colorado River negotiations fail. The proposal reflects how seriously states are preparing for court battles over water rights.
Nevada Current – Tribes stake their claim on the Colorado River, and help conserve it
This article highlights how tribes across the Basin are asserting their legal rights while also leading conservation efforts. It emphasizes tribes as both senior water rights holders and active stewards of the river.
Circle of Blue – Tribal Water Rights Settlement in Arizona Reintroduced in Congress
A long-standing tribal water rights settlement in Arizona has been reintroduced in Congress, aiming to resolve unresolved claims and provide certainty for tribes and non-tribal users alike.
KLAS CBS 8 Las Vegas – Water shortage in 2026: Pressure builds on Colorado River, Lake Mead
Officials warn that 2026 could bring increased pressure on Lake Mead and the Colorado River if snowpack and runoff do not improve. Water managers stress that short-term storms do not erase long-term shortages.
SFGate – America’s largest reservoir remains in peril
Despite recent storms, Lake Mead remains far below healthy levels. Experts caution against assuming drought is over, noting long-term structural shortages.
Newsweek – Where Lake Mead water levels stand amid heavy California rain
Lake Mead has seen limited gains, but experts stress that precipitation alone cannot resolve decades of overuse.
KUNC – Colorado ends 2025 with extremely low snowpack (more…)
As 2025 came to a close and 2026 began, water issues across Arizona and the Colorado River Basin remained front and center. New reporting highlighted continued uncertainty around Colorado River negotiations, growing concern over snowpack levels, and major developments in local groundwater and community water planning.
Local Groundwater and Community Water Planning
In western Arizona, the Parker Pioneer reports that an Active Management Area is being proposed for the Ranegras Plain. The proposal reflects growing concern over groundwater depletion and signals a shift toward stronger oversight in areas increasingly relied upon as Colorado River supplies tighten.
Meanwhile, years of uncertainty came to an end for residents of Rio Verde Foothills. Multiple Arizona outlets report that permanent water infrastructure is now coming online, including new pipelines and water filling stations. The long-awaited solution brings relief to residents, local businesses, and even animal sanctuaries, while also serving as a cautionary example of what can happen when development moves forward without secure water planning.
Snowpack and Weather Conditions Raise Red Flags
Snowpack remained a major concern across the Basin. Reports from KJZZ, KTAR News, CBS News, AP News, and several California outlets show that while recent storms boosted snowpack in parts of California, overall levels remain below average for this point in the season.
Officials with the Central Arizona Project acknowledged concern about snowpack levels, though they noted it is still early in the water year. Upstream, conditions appear more troubling. Colorado news outlets report historically low snowpack in some regions, while Utah coverage shows Lake Powell has dropped significantly over the past year, underscoring the fragile state of the system.
Late December also brought renewed uncertainty around water infrastructure projects. Coverage from KJZZ, Colorado outlets, and national public media reports on a presidential veto of a major Colorado water pipeline project. The decision disrupted financing for a project already underway and prompted calls from lawmakers to reconsider or override the veto. (more…)
By Ariana Romero
Reporter, CRIT Media
As 2025 comes to a close, new reporting shows Colorado River negotiations narrowing toward what many leaders describe as a final window for agreement, while local water solutions and long-term risks continue to take shape across the Southwest.
ABC15 Arizona reports that Colorado River states may only have one last realistic chance to reach a deal before federal intervention becomes unavoidable. With existing guidelines set to expire and reservoir conditions still fragile, officials warn that failure to compromise soon could lead to decisions being imposed rather than negotiated.
CBS 5 Arizona’s Family highlights what is at stake specifically for Arizona as talks drag on. The report notes that unresolved negotiations could affect everything from water deliveries to long-term planning for cities, tribes, agriculture, and industry, reinforcing why Arizona leaders are under pressure to help move talks forward.
Several opinion pieces stress the need for compromise in the Upper Basin. Phys.org and the Imperial Valley Press argue that without meaningful concessions, negotiations risk collapse, deepening divisions among states and prolonging uncertainty across the Basin.
At the local level, attention turned to Rio Verde Foothills, a community that famously ran out of water. The Arizona Republic, CBS 5, and AZ Big Media report that a permanent water solution has now been secured, ending years of uncertainty. However, the Arizona Republic notes that questions remain about the long-term cost of that solution, underscoring the financial realities of securing water in unregulated areas.
Water policy and development pressures remain closely linked. The Daily Independent reports that Valley water officials are urging legislators to invest more heavily in water resources, while opinion pieces from Nevada question whether the continued expansion of data centers is compatible with long-term water sustainability.
Conditions on the river itself remain mixed. Newsweek reports on how Lake Mead’s water levels changed throughout 2025, showing modest gains at times but continued overall vulnerability. Meanwhile, CBS News warns that Colorado is facing its worst snowpack on record for this point in the season, a troubling signal for future Colorado River flows, though experts say late-season storms could still offer some relief.
Despite tensions, collaboration remains a recurring theme. An opinion from the University of Colorado Boulder notes that Colorado River discussions continue to bring together unlikely partners through forums like the Colorado River Water Users Association, even as disagreements persist. Another Colorado Sun opinion stresses that public access to rivers and responsible stewardship must remain part of broader water policy discussions.
Together, these reports show a Basin approaching a crossroads. With negotiations nearing a critical moment, local water fixes highlighting real costs, and climate signals raising alarm, decisions made in the months ahead will play a major role in shaping the future of the Colorado River.
Sources
As the year comes to a close, new reporting underscores how unresolved negotiations, worsening climate impacts, and continued growth are colliding across the Colorado River Basin.
The Lake Havasu News-Herald reports that federal officials are demanding compromise from Basin states as water shortages deepen. Despite repeated warnings, states remain divided, prompting stronger signals that the federal government may intervene if agreements are not reached soon.
Several opinion pieces question long-held assumptions about water security. The Sun City Independent argues that Arizona’s promise of “assured” water is increasingly disconnected from reality, while national commentary emphasizes that decades of overuse and delayed action have left little room for error.
Weather extremes continued to dominate headlines. The Los Angeles Times reports that Southern California experienced its wettest Christmas holiday on record, highlighting the growing drought-to-deluge cycle driven by climate change. Despite heavy rain in some areas, drought conditions persist elsewhere, according to California and national drought summaries. In Colorado, the Denver Gazette reports snowpack levels are at the lowest ever recorded for this point in the season, raising serious concerns for future Colorado River flows.
Local and regional responses remain mixed. The Payson Roundup reports progress on water system improvements in Star Valley and a brief return to normal rainfall in Payson, though officials caution that short-term relief does not change long-term conditions. In Nevada, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that rapid growth in Las Vegas is continuing despite the Colorado River crisis, intensifying concerns about sustainability.
Across the Basin, journalists and experts reflected on the year’s biggest water stories. Aspen Journalism and Aspen Public Radio highlight how climate change is worsening drought conditions and pushing leaders toward difficult decisions in 2026. National Parks Traveler reports that declining Colorado River flows are already affecting national park sites along the river, signaling broader environmental consequences.
Some coverage points toward potential paths forward. Fox 13 in Utah explores ideas aimed at easing water conflicts, while opinion pieces emphasize the need for compromise among Upper Basin states. The Sierra Club highlights how Indigenous knowledge and stewardship can play a key role in adapting to climate change and managing water more sustainably.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Council has made a historic decision to protect the lifeblood of their Reservation. On November 6, 2025, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. R-375-25, which proclaims the personhood status of the Colorado River under tribal law.
This resolution acknowledges the Colorado River as a living entity whose health and well-being are intrinsically linked to the well-being of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) members. The Tribes’ deep-rooted connection to the river spans centuries, providing cultural identity, spiritual strength, food systems, and economic stability that continue to shape their community life today.
The resolution emphasizes the central role the river has played in defining the identity of the CRIT. It highlights that CRIT’s ancestors have preserved and protected these lands since before the establishment of the Colorado River Indian Reservation in 1865.
The Council underscores the crucial role the river plays in sustaining traditional practices, wildlife, and agriculture, including the federal irrigation systems authorized as early as 1867. Today, the Colorado River Indian Irrigation Project stands as a cornerstone of the tribal economy.
The resolution underscores significant legal milestones that acknowledged CRIT’s water rights. In the landmark 1964 and 2006 Arizona v. California U.S. Supreme Court decisions, the Tribes secured 719,248 acre-feet of water annually, ensuring their access to the river for generations to come.
By granting personhood to the River, the Tribal Council reaffirmed its sovereign duty to honor and protect it. This status mandates that the River’s well-being must be a priority in governance and decision-making moving forward.
As part of the resolution, the Attorney General and their staff will develop legal safeguards and propose updates to the CRIT Water Code and other relevant regulations. These updates may include the potential designation of the river as a protected cultural landscape.
Council members recognized that protecting the river is not merely a legal obligation but a continuation of cultural beliefs passed down through generations.
Through this declaration, CRIT demonstrates its unwavering commitment to stewardship. The resolution concludes with a resolute message: the Colorado River is, and will always remain, a vital entity deserving of respect, care, and protection for all future generations.
Article Written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
News Update November 12, 2025
Negotiations over the future of the Colorado River have reached a standstill after all seven basin states failed to meet a key federal deadline. Reports from 12News and 8NewsNow confirm that the states were unable to agree on a new water-sharing plan, leaving the situation unresolved as the river continues to decline.
High Country News explains that the biggest disagreements involve how much each state should give up in the future. The upper Basin states want fewer mandatory reductions, while the Lower Basin states, including Arizona, say they have already taken the deepest cuts and cannot continue to absorb the majority of the impacts.
With no agreement in place, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has asked the Trump administration to intervene. She stated that Arizona has made significant sacrifices and cannot carry the weight of the reductions while other states refuse to commit to measurable cuts. If the states cannot reach a plan soon, the federal government may create one for them.
For the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the outcome of these negotiations has major importance. CRIT holds valuable senior water rights and relies on a stable and fair management plan to ensure long-term security for the community and the region.
For more information, you can read the news articles with the links below.
High Country News
https://www.hcn.org/articles/why-colorado-river-negotiations-are-so-difficult/
12 News
/wednesday-is-deadline-for-7-state-including-arizona-to-negotiate-the-colorado-river
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Building and Safety Department is welcoming new director Alfred Mauer, whose background in inspections, compliance, and facility operations brings both technical expertise and a strong local connection to the role.
Mauer’s career began at just 18 years old working as a gold miner in northern Nevada. That early hands-on experience eventually led him into compliance, inspections, and administrative work. From underground mining operations, he later worked with Praxair at an air separation plant operating under strict federal regulations, including Homeland Security oversight. That experience helped shape his commitment to precision, safety, and doing things the right way.
Over the past five years, he has worked as a licensed building inspector while also operating his own inspection business. Managing everything from office communication and consulting to on-site inspections provided experience not only in technical building standards but also in customer service, project coordination, and helping facilities operate safely and efficiently.
Mauer also has a personal connection to the area. He attended elementary school in Parker before moving to northern Nevada and has now returned to serve the community. He says coming back to work with CRIT brings a strong sense of purpose and connection.
Now stepping into his new role, Mauer’s focus is clear: supporting safe, quality construction while helping tribal departments, businesses, and community members navigate the permitting and inspection process smoothly. The Building and Safety Department plays an important role in protecting the community by ensuring structures are built safely and responsibly, with an emphasis on prevention, communication, and long-term safety.
He emphasizes that the department is there to help guide people through the process, whether it involves new construction, renovations, or facility improvements. Clear communication and accessibility are key priorities as he settles into the position, helping ensure questions are answered early and projects move forward safely.
Having grown up around the community, Mauer says one of the things that stands out most about working at CRIT is the strong sense of family, pride, and connection among tribal members and employees. That sense of community motivates his commitment to safety and responsible development. Having witnessed preventable accidents in his career, he says his goal is always to promote safe structures that protect people first.
CRIT Auto Welcomes a Familiar Leader
After 47 years of dedicated service, Winstill Humeumptewa Sr. has stepped into the role of Fleet Manager of CRIT Auto, bringing with him decades of experience, leadership, and deep pride in the work he does for the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
Winstill began working at CRIT Auto in 1979. Born and raised in the community, he returned home after completing his automotive education to put his skills to work serving his people. Over the years, he has worked his way through nearly every role in the department, gaining hands-on experience as a mechanic, supervisor, service manager, and most recently as Acting Auto Shop Fleet Manager.
His decision to apply for the manager position came after the retirement of former manager Fernando “Bo” Flores. Winstill credits Bo’s leadership, mentorship, and strong work ethic as a major influence and source of inspiration throughout his career. Having worked side by side with him for many years, Winstill felt prepared to take on the responsibility and continue moving the department forward. 
Winstill oversees a fleet of more than 300 tribal vehicles serving multiple departments. His goals include rebuilding and strengthening his crew, improving shop organization, and modernizing operations. One of his immediate priorities is cleaning up the shop area and removing unused gas pumps and tanks that are no longer in service.
Supporting his staff is central to Winstill’s vision. He plans to keep his team up to date through trainings, educational videos, and courses, emphasizing that knowledge and skill development are key to quality service. He describes his leadership style as firm, noting that quality work is non-negotiable. Every vehicle, he says, should be safe, reliable, and properly tested before returning to service.
While CRIT Auto primarily services tribal vehicles, Winstill hopes to eventually reopen the shop to the community once staffing is full. He wants the community to know that even when repairs take time, the work is being done with care and commitment.
Winstill says he is proud of his crew, whom he considers family, and proud of the work they accomplish together every day. After nearly five decades at CRIT Auto, his dedication remains strong, driven by a desire to provide dependable service to the Tribes and give back to the community he calls home.
Congratulations to Winstill Humeumptewa Sr. on this new chapter as the Fleet Manager for CRIT Auto.
Article and Photos by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
The Tribal Council for the Colorado River Indian Tribes has approved a new water code that both affirms tribal sovereignty over its water while protecting the life of the Colorado River.
Before the Tribal Council vote, there was a series of meetings with Tribal Membership in both Parker and in Phoenix where Tribal members provided their thoughts regarding the language of the final code.
These meetings with Tribal Membership provide Tribal Council with valuable insight in creating the Water Code.
The Code is a comprehensive legal framework to govern the use, protection, and
management of all water resources on the Reservation. It affirms the Colorado River Indian Tribes’ sovereign authority over water, ensures sustainable development, and protects the cultural, spiritual, and economic interests of the Tribes and their members.
Passage of the Water Code paves the way for economic opportunities for CRIT while protecting cultural and environmental values.
The Water Code protects CRIT’s full ownership and control of its water. It creates a fair, transparent system for water use and the potential of off reservation leasing of CRIT’s water resources. It ensures that all decisions are made by CRIT. (more…)
