July 29, 2026 1:02 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 1:02 am
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, Arizona could face deeper Colorado River water cuts following missed negotiation deadlines, raising concerns about future water supply stability across the state. Officials say ongoing drought and reduced reservoir levels continue to challenge long-term planning efforts. These developments may lead to increased federal involvement in river management decisions. For CRIT, potential cutbacks are important because federal allocation decisions directly influence how tribal water rights are maintained and protected.
Source: CBS 5 Arizona’s Family — https://www.azfamily.com/2026/02/17/arizona-faces-major-colorado-river-water-cuts-deadline-passes/
According to the Colorado Sun, new forecasts suggest Lake Powell could reach critically low levels that threaten hydropower production and water deliveries if drought conditions persist. Reservoir storage plays a central role in determining how water is distributed across the Colorado River Basin. Experts say ongoing climate pressures and declining inflows continue to complicate long-term planning. For CRIT, reservoir conditions remain important because federal operational decisions tied to storage levels directly affect how tribal water allocations are managed and protected.
Source: Colorado Sun — https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/18/lake-powell-forecast-critical-lows-federal-study/
According to AZPM News, Colorado River basin states missed another federal deadline to reach agreement on future water reductions, increasing the likelihood of additional cutbacks across the Southwest. Officials warn that continued drought and declining reservoir levels could force tougher decisions about water allocation in the coming years. The missed deadline highlights growing uncertainty about long-term river management. For CRIT, potential water reductions and federal policy decisions directly influence how tribal water rights are protected and incorporated into basin planning.
Source: AZPM News — https://news.azpm.org/s/102728-arizona-and-western-states-miss-colorado-river-water-deadline-as-cuts-loom/
According to Newsweek, Lake Powell water levels could drop to critical levels sooner than expected, raising concerns about hydropower production and water deliveries across the Colorado River Basin. Experts say continued drought, reduced snowpack, and high demand are contributing to declining reservoir storage. These conditions add urgency to ongoing negotiations about future river operations. For CRIT, reservoir levels are important because federal decisions tied to storage conditions directly affect how tribal water allocations are managed and sustained.
Source: Newsweek — https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-could-drop-to-critical-levels-sooner-than-expected-11531274
According to Pinal Central, the Gila River Indian Community expressed concern over the lack of agreement among Colorado River basin states, noting the importance of tribal voices in ongoing water negotiations. Tribal leaders emphasized the need for sustainable solutions that recognize existing water rights while addressing long-term drought conditions. The statement highlights growing awareness of tribal participation in basin discussions. For CRIT, tribal engagement in Colorado River negotiations is significant because it reinforces the importance of protecting tribal sovereignty and water rights across the region.
Source: Pinal Central — https://www.pinalcentral.com/sacaton_central/gric-laments-lack-of-deal-over-colorado-river-water/article_cb91f461-07de-4f88-8d70-c3dec3b96c67.html
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
Ramirez Flores has been serving as a Game Warden for the past four months, bringing a passion for the outdoors and a background in biology that inspired his career with Fish and Game. Growing up, he spent much of his time fishing alongside his father, which gave him an early appreciation for nature. His typical day includes patrolling the reservation, making sure campers and hunters have the proper permits, and helping to keep the reservation safe and clean. One of his most memorable moments on the job was responding to a call about baby falcons in need of care.
Flores and his team transported the birds to a rehabilitation facility, and seeing them survive and thrive was a rewarding experience. For Flores, being a Game Warden is more than working with animals, it’s about protecting the land and ensuring the community can enjoy it responsibly. His advice to anyone interested in joining the field is simple, follow policy. He believes it is the key to keeping both the community and the environment safe. Flores describes the work as exciting and fun, and he is proud to be part of such a strong team. As he heads to the academy alongside his fellow wardens, the community wishes him the best of luck on his journey. Also on the Fish and Game team is Sergeant Christian Handyside, who has been with the department going on one year. (more…)
Article written By CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
Photography by Naythen T. Lowe
Parker’s best kept secret, nestled over the hill is the Colorado River Indian Tribes(CRIT), Avi Suquilla Airport. From his office, Airport Manager Joshua Philipps enjoys a clear view of the airport runway stretching across the desert floor and the iconic view of “P” Mountain in the distance. At the helm of this unique facility, Philipps has transformed his years of military service and leadership into a role that blends aviation expertise with a deep commitment to the Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Parker community.
Josh grew up far from the desert, on a small dairy farm in Indiana owned by his family for generations. From daily farm duties and taking care of animals, he learned early on the value of hard work and responsibility. In 2001, Josh enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and soon after transferred to the U.S. Army. His military career took him to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world, where he developed a deep commitment to leadership, safety, and service.
After traveling all over the U.S., Josh sought out the quiet and peaceful desert of CRIT and the refreshing Colorado River, making Parker his home. He first worked as a Senior Training Advisor with Metris Global, hosting active shooter and trainings for CRIT departments including CRIT PD. His experience in military aviation and security training eventually led him to a natural fit for Avi Suquilla Airport.
For Josh, what truly makes CRIT Air special is the employees behind it. “ The staff are the backbone of the airport” he says, proudly recognizing he’s dedicated team. Assistant Manager Cindy Homer, who has served nearly 20 years, leads alongside Administrative Assistant Christina Johnson, Lead Technician Everett Babcock, Fuel Technicians Michael Carter and Jack Fisher, and ED&T youth Tamia Fisher and Candace James. Together this hard working crew keeps daily operations running smoothly, while continuously pursing professional development and certifications to ensure the airport continues to grow and operate efficiently.
The airport itself is unique, Avi Suquilla is one of the few tribal airports in the nation that supports a commercial side of operations. It hosts a variety of aircraft, from military A400s and T-6 trainers to private planes and Hawkers, and also serves as a base for free-fall training, parachuting, and full mission exercises for the military. (more…)
The CRIT Library was buzzing with excitement August 7th, as children and families gathered for a special Story Time and Cookies event with CRIT Police Officer Andrea Eddy.
Officer Eddy’s lively reading of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff had the children so excited they could hardly sit still. After the story, CRIT Library Technician, Blanca Quintero handed out colorful craft supplies so the children could design their very own “cookies,” with each cookie uniquely decorated to match its young artist’s style.
Officer Eddy shared some fun facts about herself. Her favorite childhood book? The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, a timeless story she now enjoys reading to her own daughter. If she could be any children’s book character, she said she’d be Captain Underpants, because her nephews love the character’s silly adventures. She also shared that becoming a police officer was her dream since childhood.
When asked what advice she’d give to kids who want to follow in her footsteps, Officer Eddy encouraged them to “stay out of trouble, find the right people you want to hang out with, and enjoy being a kid as long as possible.”
The CRIT Library thanks Officer Andrea Eddy for sharing her time and we wish her continued safety in her service to the community.
On August 8th three and four year old CRIT Head Start students took their first steps into a brand-new school year. From excited smiles to a few brave tears, these little learners were ready to take on their first day.
Students were welcomed through a colorful tunnel, stopped to wash their hands and then headed to class for breakfast, crafts and learning.
We loved seeing so many helping hands, passing out napkins, spoons, and milk to friends. Here’s to a year of learning, laughter and new adventures. Good Luck Kiddos.
