October 25, 2026 7:01 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
October 25, 2026 7:01 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
Federal officials again summoned governors from all seven Colorado River Basin states to Washington, D.C., signaling growing concern that negotiations remain stuck. Reports indicate the federal government is preparing to step in more forcefully if states cannot agree on near-term shortage management and a longer-term framework.
Governor Katie Hobbs is escalating efforts to restrict groundwater pumping tied to Saudi-backed alfalfa farming in La Paz County. The reporting highlights how years of unregulated groundwater use have drawn down aquifers connected to Colorado River–dependent regions.
New analysis outlines what may come next if Basin states fail to reach agreement, including deeper federal control, stricter shortage tiers, and more aggressive conservation.
Sources – January 23, 2026
Arizona Budget Proposal Includes Major Funding for Colorado River Protection
On January 16, 2026, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) shared details of Governor Katie Hobbs’ FY 2027 Executive Budget Proposal focused on preparing for long-term challenges facing the Colorado River. The plan includes new and expanded funding aimed at strengthening water security across Arizona in the face of ongoing Colorado River shortages.
Key points from the budget related to water:
Source:
Arizona Water News https://azwaternews.com/2026/01/16/fy2027_execbudgetproposal/
Arizona announced new groundwater management rules for parts of La Paz County, expanding oversight in an area long known for unregulated pumping. The move follows increased scrutiny of agricultural water use and reflects a broader push to protect groundwater supplies as Colorado River shortages continue. La Paz County lies within CRIT’s region. Stronger groundwater rules help prevent over-pumping that can undermine surface water systems and threaten tribal water security.
A water policy expert argues that Basin states are unlikely to compromise without clear federal consequences. With post-2026 rules approaching, the federal government’s willingness to step in is seen as a key driver for progress. Federal involvement increases the importance of ensuring tribal water rights and sovereignty are explicitly recognized in any imposed or negotiated plan.
Multiple outlets report on the release of the draft post-2026 Colorado River management alternatives by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The plan outlines several options for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including deeper cuts and greater federal control if states fail to agree. Officials stress that public and stakeholder input is still open but time is limited. These alternatives could directly affect downstream water deliveries. CRIT’s senior water rights, sovereignty, and river stewardship must be included before any plan is finalized.
Arizona municipal water providers stress that collaboration during the legislative session will be essential to address shortages, infrastructure needs, and conservation goals tied to the Colorado River.
Legislation was introduced in Congress to formally codify a tribal water rights settlement, providing legal certainty and recognition of the tribe’s rights. Each tribal settlement strengthens the broader recognition of tribal water rights across the Colorado River Basin and reinforces sovereignty.
Reports highlight emerging technologies, including satellite tools and agricultural innovations, aimed at reducing water use and improving efficiency across the West. Technology can support conservation efforts, but it does not replace enforceable water rights or the need to protect river flows.
Several outlets reported on the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which outlines how the Colorado River could be managed after current rules expire in 2026.
The draft lays out five possible management alternatives for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including options where the federal government steps in if Basin states cannot agree. Federal officials acknowledge that a temporary or stopgap deal may be necessary if negotiations remain stalled. These decisions will directly affect how water is released downstream.
As a senior water rights holder, CRIT’s rights and sovereignty must be protected in any final plan. The draft process is a critical opportunity for tribal input.
Coverage from Nevada and Utah outlets explains that while states continue negotiations, deep disagreements remain over how water cuts should be shared. Federal officials are signaling they are prepared to act if consensus is not reached.Some articles describe this moment as a turning point, where long-standing assumptions about water use are being challenged and previously “untouchable” practices are now on the table.
If states fail to agree, federal decisions could reshape river operations. Tribal nations must be included to ensure historic rights are not overlooked.
California-focused reporting explains how the draft federal plan could require additional water cuts, even during wet years. Officials emphasize that recent storms do not erase long-term shortages caused by overuse and climate change.
California’s use affects overall Basin stability. How cuts are distributed influences downstream reliability for Lower Basin users.
Multiple sources covered Arizona’s continued focus on groundwater protection, including new Active Management Areas and enforcement actions tied to large agricultural water users. These efforts are framed as necessary as Colorado River supplies remain uncertain.
As surface water becomes less reliable, pressure shifts to groundwater. Strong regulation helps prevent over-pumping that could undermine regional water security and tribal resources.
Nonprofit and policy reporting highlights a key admission from federal officials: a full, long-term Colorado River agreement may not be ready by 2026, making interim solutions likely. (more…)
Bureau of Reclamation – The Bureau of Reclamation released its long-awaited Draft Environmental Impact Statement outlining potential strategies for managing Lake Powell and Lake Mead after 2026, when current operating guidelines expire. The draft presents multiple alternatives, including scenarios where the federal government steps in if Basin states fail to reach agreement. No preferred alternative has been selected yet, keeping negotiations open.This document will directly shape how Colorado River water is managed in the future. Tribal water rights, sovereignty, and protections for the river itself must be recognized in any final decision.
Lake Powell Chronicle – This piece outlines which players are involved in current negotiations and what each is seeking, including states, tribes, and federal agencies.Who is “at the table” determines whose rights and values are reflected in the final outcome. Tribal voices remain essential.
Tucson Sentinel – Despite recent storms and heavy rainfall in Phoenix, much of Arizona remains in long-term drought. Experts caution that short-term rain does not replenish groundwater or stabilize Colorado River supplies. Reinforces that reliance on weather alone will not protect tribal water rights or the river.
Arizona Water News – Arizona Department of Water Resources hydrologists are conducting field investigations across multiple basins to better understand groundwater use and conditions. Increased groundwater scrutiny reflects growing pressure as Colorado River supplies tighten, which can affect regional water demand and policy.
KLAS CBS 8 – Forces aligning against healthy snowpack for Colorado River states
Experts warn that warming temperatures, dry spells, and climate trends are working against the development of a healthy snowpack, threatening future river flows. Snowpack is the river’s primary source. Poor conditions upstream affect all downstream users.
Colorado Public Radio / The Hill – House fails to override Trump veto of Colorado water project
Lawmakers failed to override a presidential veto blocking a major Colorado water infrastructure project, leaving future water deliveries uncertain.Delays in infrastructure add pressure to existing Colorado River supplies. (more…)
KGUN 9 Tucson – Group urges Sahuarita to review Hudbay groundwater agreement
Community advocates are calling for closer review of groundwater agreements tied to mining operations, citing long-term water security concerns.
Cave Creek/Carefree Independent – Water at the forefront of Tuesday meetings
Local leaders are increasingly focused on water planning as development and supply concerns grow.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat – California’s largest reservoir rises 36 feet as rains boost water supply statewide. Storms have boosted reservoir levels in California, but officials caution that snowpack remains below what is needed for long-term security.
GV Wire – Winter storms wipe out drought in California, for now
California officials stress that recent rains offer short-term relief but do not end the drought.
CBS News – Colorado’s snowpack woes continue into 2026
Colorado snowpack remains well below average, heightening concern for river flows later this year.
Salt Lake Tribune – The Great Salt Lake enters 2026 uncomfortably close to record lows.
Low water levels highlight the broader regional water crisis tied to climate change and overuse.
Engineering News-Record – At Lake Powell, engineering is outpacing Colorado River policy.
Engineers are adapting dam operations to keep the system functioning, even as policymakers lag behind on long-term solutions.
By Nicole Jennings
A decade after college, 1L and 2026 Nash Scholar Lauren Drennan’s strong ties to her Indigenous community led her to pivot in her career path.
Growing up on the Colorado River Indian Tribal (CRIT) lands in rural Arizona, Drennan had always planned to go into agriculture, even choosing a STEM path for her undergrad studies at the University of Arizona. A self-proclaimed “farm kid,” Drennan had participated in 4-H as a child and raised animals on her family’s property.
But returning home to her tribe through internships while earning her degree convinced her there was another path for her. The internships centered around community programs in areas such as environmental preservation and restoration.
“That’s where I found my passion, working for my community in these outreach programs,” Drennan said. “Those tribal internships saved me because getting to connect back to my home and finding that thing that made me happy felt like it clicked.”
Drennan’s hometown of Parker is small and tight-knit, with many of the other residents numbering among her relatives.
“The services I worked for were for community and my family,” she said, crediting her mentors in the region with instilling a sense of civic-mindedness within her.
She went on to spend 10 years after her undergrad and graduate studies at the CRIT Department of Health and Social Services, which provides a variety of tribal programs ranging from mental health to senior support to child protective services. Drennan held a variety of roles in that time, including interim director, deputy director, coordinator, grant writer, budget specialist, and even HR staffer. (more…)
Article written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
The young men of the Parker Broncs football team have shown strength, endurance, and determination throughout an incredible season. The Broncs remain undefeated at 8-0, but tonight, there is even more on the line.
Parker will take on Arizona Lutheran Academy in a battle for the 2A Metro 2 region title. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated in region play, with the Broncs looking to protect their perfect season in their final home game of the regular season.
Tonight will also mark Senior Night, giving the Parker community an opportunity to recognize the seniors who will take their home field one more time. After years of practices, games, and representing Parker High School, the seniors have a chance to close out their final home game with a region title on the line.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Joe Bush Stadium, and the Broncs are hoping to see the community pack the stands, get loud, and bring the energy.
Hard Work, Brotherhood, and One Goal
Being undefeated means a lot to this group of young men. The work behind their 8-0 record started long before Friday nights under the lights. Players trained through Parker’s extreme heat, spent hours lifting weights and conditioning, and continued working in the classroom to maintain the grades needed to compete.
During interviews with CRIT Media, one thing became clear: this is a TEAM.
When asked to describe their teammates and what has made this season special, the players gave many of the same answers: brotherhood, family, and best friends. Their similar responses reflected the bond they have built through long practices, workouts, wins, and challenges together.
That bond was just as noticeable while speaking with the team. The players were humble, polite, and proud to be Parker Broncs. Each showed respect for his teammates, coaches, and the game. While an undefeated record is something to celebrate, their focus remains on what is still ahead.
Their goal for the season is simple: keep winning and bring home the trophy. (more…)
Chairwoman Flores says CRIT And Tribal Governments must have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the Colorado River and future generations
(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) Colorado River Indian Tribes leaders carried a message rooted in the Reservation’s past, present and future to the Ten Tribes Partnership meeting Wednesday: CRIT’s water rights must be protected, and tribal governments must have a meaningful voice in decisions shaping the Colorado River.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores chaired the October 14 meeting, joined on site by Tribal Councilmember Tommy Drennan. CRIT water attorney John Bezdek and other CRIT Tribal Council members participated remotely. CRIT’s presentation outlined the legal protections surrounding CRIT’s water rights and concerns about federal proposals that could threaten them.
With river levels declining and demand continuing to grow, Flores said tribal governments cannot remain on the sidelines as decisions are made about how the Colorado River is managed.
“We need to be included. We have the solutions,” Flores told representatives of the other tribes.
She said tribal leaders have spent years fighting for a meaningful role in Colorado River negotiations—decisions with direct consequences for CRIT lands, resources and future generations.
“I think we got a small corner of the room,” Flores said. “We’re allowed in, but yet we still are not at the table.”
Bezdek’s presentation focused on CRIT’s longstanding water rights, which were recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Arizona v. California decision in 1963 and the subsequent 1964 decree.
Those rights date to the establishment of the Colorado River Indian Reservation in 1865, predating Arizona statehood and the creation of the Bureau of Reclamation.
“Because at CRIT, we are not a contractor, our water rights predate the Bureau of Reclamation,” Bezdek said.
He explained that CRIT’s water rights are not subject to evaporation and transportation losses that can apply to other Colorado River water users.
At the center of CRIT’s concern are Bureau of Reclamation proposals to spread shortages proportionally among water users, regardless of their established rights. Bezdek said those “pro rata” reductions could erode the priority system that protects senior water rights, including CRIT’s.
Bezdek said the Bureau of Reclamation has included the possibility of proportional reductions in two recent environmental reviews, despite objections from CRIT.
He argued that such reductions would violate the Supreme Court decree, undermine the Winters doctrine protecting federally reserved tribal water rights and raise constitutional concerns.
“It would basically just write it out of existence,” Bezdek said of the Winters doctrine, warning against abandoning the priority system during water shortages.
He said CRIT successfully pushed back against the latest proposal, resulting in federal acknowledgment that water shortages would be handled through voluntary agreements or, absent such agreements, the existing priority system.
Still, Bezdek said the repeated appearance of proportional reductions in federal planning documents is reason for concern.
“We continue to remain vigilant because we believe this will come back again,” Bezdek said.
He emphasized that the issue extends well beyond CRIT.
“This is not just a CRIT issue. This is not just a five tribes issue. This is every tribe,” he said.
For CRIT, protecting its water rights is only part of the challenge. The Tribes’ ability to put that water to use on the Reservation also depends on the aging Colorado River Indian Irrigation Project, which serves tribal agricultural lands in Arizona.
Authorized in 1867, it is the oldest Indian irrigation project in the United States. Bezdek said years of inadequate federal funding have left the system in serious disrepair, with irrigation efficiency estimated at approximately 56% to 58%, according to his presentation.
He explained that water lost through the inefficient system eventually returns to the Colorado River, benefiting other water users while limiting CRIT’s ability to fully use its entitlement.
“They were the beneficiaries of the Bureau of Indian Affairs chronically underfunding the project,” Bezdek said, referring to other water users.
CRIT has received a Bureau of Reclamation grant to study what it would take to modernize the irrigation system to 21st-century standards. (more…)
