November 12, 2026 5:23 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
November 12, 2026 5:23 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
A recent statement from Colorado River Commissioner JB Hamby says California and other Lower Basin states have been working with federal officials and neighboring states to develop new long-term operating rules for the Colorado River after 2026. He noted that the original 1922 Colorado River Compact was based on water supply estimates that no longer match today’s reality, as river flows have declined over the past 25 years while demand continues to grow.
According to the statement, California, Arizona, and Nevada committed to major conservation efforts in recent years and have already exceeded planned water savings meant to stabilize Lake Mead and Lake Powell. However, disagreements remain between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states about how future reductions should be shared, and negotiators have not yet reached a final agreement.
For CRIT, these ongoing negotiations are important because federal Colorado River policies, interstate agreements, and conservation requirements directly influence how tribal water rights are protected, managed, and incorporated into long-term river planning that affects the entire region.
Source: https://crb.ca.gov/2026/02/statement-from-jb-hamby-colorado-river-commissioner-for-california/
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.
Location: Desert Sun Development #86 (100 Homes) Parker Arizona, 85344
Incident: Shooting
******Update******
At this time there is no more threat to the community. Taylor Goodman is now in custody at the CRIT Men’s Detention Facility. I would like to personally thank the community for sharing the post and spreading this information for people to see and help find this person. Thank you.
Cody Paddock, Chief of Police
Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department
Date: September 20, 2026
Location: Desert Sun Development #86 (100 Homes) Parker Arizona, 85344
Incident: Shooting
At approximately 2:52 a.m. in the morning, CRIT Dispatch received 911 calls in reference to a possible break-in at #86 Desert Sun Development. As officers arrived on scene, they found an unresponsive male subject lying at the front doorway of the residence with a single gunshot wound.
Medical and Fire were called and responded to assist the subject with life saving measures. The male subject was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. Bureau of Indian Affairs Investigator and Federal Bureau of Investigations were called and responded to the scene. At this time, it was stated that a male subject fled the scene, unknown direction of travel. This is currently an active investigation.
Person of interest: Taylor Joel Goodman, Native American, Height 5’09” Weight 300 Hair: brown, Eyes: Brown. If seen, do not approach the subject, he is considered armed and dangerous. Call 911 or CRIT Police Department.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please call the CRIT Police Department at (928) 669-1277 or the TIPPS Hotline at (928) 669-5341
This case is being investigated by the CRIT Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Indian Affairs. We will update as soon as more information is available.
Cody Paddock, Chief of Police
Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department
The Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) have reached an agreement to deliver 9,009 acre-feet of CRIT Intentionally Created Surplus (ICS) water to the CAWCD. This represents the last remaining water CRIT made available as part of the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) that was agreed to back in 2019.
The ICS was previously conserved between 2020 and 2022, when in response to requests from the federal government, CRIT conserved water to help stabilize Lake Mead. CRIT conserved approximately 160,000 acre-feet and was compensated $38 million for 150,000 acre-feet of conservation (the average value of that water was approximately $254 per acre-foot). There was additional conserved water of approximately 10,009 acre-feet for which CRIT was never compensated. It was converted into ICS so it would not be lost and is still behind Hoover Dam in Lake Mead.
Under the agreement, the CAWCD will compensate CRIT at $590 per acre-foot, for a total of $5.3 million, to be executed in two payments.
The CAWCD is the public agency that operates and maintains the physical infrastructure of the Central Arizona Project (CAP).
The ICS Agreements include requirements to account for system and evaporation losses, accounting, and use. By entering into this agreement now, CRIT will avoid future reductions in its ICS to account for evaporation and system losses; CRIT’s ICS water has already been allocated a 10% reduction, which is why the account balance is now 9009 acre-feet. In addition to system losses and evaporation, there are also upcoming limitations that restrict ICS recovery when Lake Mead falls to certain elevations. In agreeing to allow CAWCD to recover CRIT’s ICS, Tribal Council is being proactive in gaining compensation for this remaining water made available in the DCP prior to this water being devalued or otherwise lost. (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes’ new Head Start School is moving closer to opening, with the sewer system expected to be ready for final inspection during the week of September 21, 2026. Once final approvals are received, the project team will be able to move toward opening the new school.
The delay has been tied primarily to operation and capacity issues at the Joint Venture Sewer treatment facility. Because of those issues, the project team had to redesign the school’s sewer system so it would meet Joint Venture Sewer requirements before the facility could become operational.
That redesign required additional engineering work for a holding tank and lift station system. The system will temporarily store wastewater and then release it into the Joint Venture Sewer system in a controlled, timed discharge during non-peak hours. A contractor also had to be brought on to complete the additional installation and related work.
The project team has continued working closely with Joint Venture Sewer, CRIT Utilities, CRIT Building & Safety, the engineering team, and contractors to finish the required work and secure final approval.
When it opens, the new facility will include 10 classrooms, a large multi-purpose room with capacity for 500 people, a playground, a bus barn, and room for future expansion.
CRIT received a $13.8 million federal grant to help fund the project. CRIT is contributing another $7.2 million, bringing the total investment to nearly $20.8 million.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores said, “This represents a vital investment in our children. The benefits of this facility will be felt for generations as we seek to provide our children with the best possible head start as they prepare for school, life, and the opportunities that await. We want to thank everyone for their patience during this time. This is a momentous step forward in the right direction for the entire community, and we thank everyone who helped get us this far.”
Following a series of historic ceremonies on Friday, September 4, 2026, the University of Arizona has permanently integrated the four native languages of the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) into its campus landscape. Organized by the university’s Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement (NAATE) in partnership with individual academic colleges, the Native Languages Campus Sign Initiative unveiled a progression of permanent building signs throughout the day to celebrate the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Hopi, and Navajo languages.
Members of the CRIT Tribal Council attended the sign ceremonies, including Treasurer Anisa Patch, Secretary Josephine Tahbo, Councilmember Vanessa Welch, and Councilmember Raeanne Patch.
The continuous initiative aims to elevate the visibility, recognition, and enduring presence of Indigenous communities within academic spaces. Levi Esquerra, Special Advisor for NAATE, explained that the permanent structural markers grew out of a linguistics department tradition where temporary language signs were posted for just one day each February to observe International Mother Language Day. “They used to put up tarps of native languages throughout campus at six o’clock in the morning, take them down by six, and they wanted permanent signage,” Esquerra said. “We started an initiative of reaching out to tribes and having them add language to our buildings… What makes CRIT so unique is, you know, CRIT is made up of four distinct tribes. And so we felt it was only correct to honor each of those tribes that make up the CRIT nation.”
The day-long celebration began at 9:00 AM at the Emil W. Haury Anthropology Building, home to the School of Anthropology. The Chemehuevi language inscription “Puha” was added to the building’s sign, translating to the “Power of learning about the people.” School of Anthropology Director Rob Schon noted that the naming honors and renews structural ties established in 1954 when Emil Haury preserved Chemehuevi baskets for the Arizona State Museum. Reflecting on the word chosen for the sign, Schon remarked, “Phua is a sacred term… As interpreted here, Puha means power of learning about the people. There is no greater calling for an anthropologist to aspire to.” CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores highlighted the deep perseverance required to bring the project to fruition, stating, “When I first heard of the university asking the tribes in Arizona to name buildings, I approached him and I said, ‘Why not CRIT? Why not CRIT?’ … It’s taken this long. So thank you, my dear friend, for making this happen… Most tribes have only one, but CRIT, you have four.”
At 10:30 AM, the procession moved to the Environment and Natural Resources 2 (ENR2) Building to honor the CRIT Navajo language with the phrase “Nihimá Nahasdzáán baa’áhwíílyą́,” meaning “We are protecting Mother Earth.” During the ceremony, CRIT Navajo representative Harlietta Mitchell shared her family’s history of post-World War II relocation to the western Arizona desert, emphasizing that true ecological resilience requires a marriage of academic science and ancestral wisdom. “I hope this building will be more than a place where people study environmental science,” Mitchell said. “May it be a place where indigenous knowledge and scientific knowledge meet with respect.” Chairwoman Flores added, “This signage marks a permanent and visible commitment to honoring the first people of the land. When you see the words… they are a powerful, powerful declaration that indigenous knowledge and culture belongs in academia.” Navajo artist Nicole Pete also presented the history of the official CRIT Tribal Seal, which was designed by her grandfather, John Scott Sr., in 1966.
The afternoon continued at 1:00 PM at the Forbes Building, the home of the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Sciences (CALES) and the Cooperative Extension. Honoring the CRIT Hopi language, the building’s new sign reads “Tutskwat, Sinmuy, pu’ Natwanit Kyaptsilalwa,” which translates to “Honoring the land, the people and the Harvest.” Professor Sheilah Nicholas detailed the deep, remote history inherent in the chosen Hopi vocabulary. “Means land, but the nuances of the Hopi perspective of land inherent in the word changes,” Nicholas explained. “…encompasses the understanding of land as place and a specific place where groups of people coalesced and became a distinct people…” (more…)
