July 29, 2026 10:04 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 10:04 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
According to KJZZ News, environmental groups are warning of serious long-term impacts to the Colorado River system after negotiators missed another deadline to finalize future water management rules. Advocates say declining reservoir levels, ongoing drought, and delayed agreements could increase pressure on ecosystems, agriculture, and water supplies across the Southwest. The warnings highlight growing urgency for coordinated conservation and policy action. For CRIT, these discussions are important because federal decisions about river operations directly influence how tribal water rights are protected and how long-term water stability is maintained.
Source: KJZZ News — https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-02-19/environmental-groups-warn-of-dire-impacts-after-colorado-river-negotiators-miss-another-deadline
According to Nevada Public Radio, Colorado River negotiations continue to face challenges as states balance drought impacts, water demand, and competing priorities. Officials involved in the talks say progress has been uneven and that future agreements may require difficult compromises across the basin. Continued uncertainty highlights the complexity of managing the river under changing climate conditions. For CRIT, ongoing interstate negotiations remain important because federal and regional policy decisions directly affect how tribal water rights are recognized and protected.
Source: Nevada Public Radio — https://knpr.org/show/knprs-state-of-nevada/2026-02-20/nevadas-main-water-negotiator-talks-about-the-bumpy-road-ahead-in-the-colorado-river-discussions
According to Newsweek, recent data shows some improvement in Lake Mead water levels following storms and conservation efforts, offering cautious optimism for the Colorado River system. However, experts note that long-term drought conditions still pose significant challenges and continued conservation will remain essential. Reservoir levels remain a key factor in determining water deliveries across the basin. 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: Newsweek — https://www.newsweek.com/lake-mead-water-levels-get-good-news-11557968
According to Arizona Water News, Arizona and its Lower Basin partners say they remain committed to finding common ground on new Colorado River operating rules despite stalled negotiations among the seven basin states. Officials emphasized continued collaboration with federal agencies and neighboring states to stabilize water supplies beyond 2026 as drought conditions persist. The effort reflects ongoing attempts to balance conservation, water demand, and long-term river sustainability. For CRIT, these negotiations remain important because federal and interstate agreements directly influence how tribal water rights are recognized and protected in future Colorado River management decisions.
Source: Arizona Water News — https://www.azwater.gov/news/articles/2026-02-19
According to the Navajo Times, federal officials are moving forward with developing new Colorado River operating guidelines even as state negotiations remain stalled. The Department of the Interior is continuing its environmental review process to prepare for post-2026 river management, highlighting the federal government’s role when states cannot reach consensus. Tribal consultation remains part of that process. For CRIT, federal involvement is significant because Colorado River policies shaped at the federal level directly affect tribal water rights, long-term planning, and regional water security.
Source: Navajo Times — https://navajotimes.com/reznews/federal-officials-move-forward-on-colorado-river-operating-rules-as-state-negotiations-stall/
According to ABC 15 Arizona, tribal nations along the Colorado River are among those with the most at stake as negotiations over future water allocations continue. Tribal leaders emphasize the importance of protecting established water rights while ensuring sustainable solutions to ongoing drought conditions. The article highlights how tribal participation is increasingly central in discussions about the river’s future. For CRIT, these conversations are especially important because tribal sovereignty and water rights remain critical factors in how Colorado River resources are managed across the basin. (more…)
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
CRIT Media was formally invited to tour the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) facility in Parker, Arizona, alongside local business owners from Lake Havasu, Parker Area Chamber of Commerce, representatives, and local law enforcement agencies. The tour provided an inside look at the facility’s operations, including how water is stored and managed along the Colorado River system. Guests were also able to explore historic buildings constructed in the early 1930s, many of which still feature the nostalgic architecture and craftsmanship of that era.
Throughout the visit, MWD staff shared their passion for the work they do and the long history the district has in the Parker area. It is no secret that Colorado River Indian Tribes and MWD have maintained a longstanding relationship due to their close proximity and shared connection to the Colorado River. Employees like Gina Chavez, who was born and raised in Parker and grew up on MWD property, spoke about the importance of community outreach, local involvement, and helping create employment opportunities for residents in the area.
The tour highlighted not only the scale and complexity of water operations in the region, but also the deep local ties and history that continue to connect Parker, the Colorado River, and the people who work to manage one of the Southwest’s most important resources.
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) movement brings awareness to the ongoing crisis of Indigenous people who have gone missing or been murdered across Tribal communities throughout North America. For decades, Indigenous families and advocates have called attention to the lack of media coverage, jurisdictional challenges, and limited resources that have contributed to many of these cases going unsolved or overlooked.
On Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 CRIT hosted an event honoring MMIWP, bringing the community together in remembrance, reflection, and support for affected families.
Several speakers courageously shared the stories of loved ones from the reservation who have gone missing or were tragically murdered and are not forgotten. Young girls spoke about the heartbreaking loss of their father, siblings shared memories of missing sisters, mothers, and grandparents.
A special thank you to Councilman Tommy Drennan for organizing the event with Janice Patch and other organizers of this very important day for CRIT and all of Indian Country.
The Lower Basin States of Arizona, California, and Nevada have advanced a plan to stabilize the Colorado River through 2028, responding to declining reservoir levels, record low inflows to Lake Powell, and increasing risk of reaching critical elevations at both Lake Powell and Lake Mead.
Earlier in the post-2026 process, the Lower Basin took a significant step by proposing 1.25 million acre-feet in annual reductions, with an additional 250,000 acre-feet from Mexico, totaling approximately 1.5 million acre-feet per year.
This proposal builds on that foundation with an expanded system conservation program across the Lower Basin with an estimated contribution of at least 700,000 acre-feet. In total, the plan identifies up to 3.2 million acre-feet of water savings to the system through 2028.
The proposal is an integrated package addressing Lake Powell releases, Upper Initial Unit operations, Lower Basin reductions, additional conservation, use of Intentionally Created Surplus, and system infrastructure improvements. Lower Basin contributions are contingent on these coordinated operations to ensure system stability as well as appropriate funding.
“With this proposal, the Lower Basin is putting forth real action to stabilize water supply along the Colorado River. We’re putting forward additional measurable water contributions for the system. Without that, the system will continue to decline,” said JB Hamby “This proposal is about moving from ideas to implementation,” said John Entsminger. “It pairs real measurable water contributions with sensible dry-condition operations at Lake Powell and across the Upper Initial Units. Now is the time for every water user in the Basin to double down on water conservation as we face historically dry hydrology.”
“This proposal reflects the creativity and commitment of water users across the Lower Basin who continue to step forward with solutions that support the river,” said Tom Buschatzke. “We have shown that collaborative, voluntary efforts and reductions that are certain can produce meaningful water savings.” (more…)
Thai Yang, Broadband Director for the Colorado River Indian Tribes, is helping lead an exciting new chapter for connectivity across the CRIT community.
Yang has served with CRIT for the past two years, bringing with him a strong background in information technology, network systems, infrastructure deployment, and strategic project management. Before joining CRIT, he held technology leadership roles in hospitality, resort operations, and casino infrastructure, including more than 15 years as IT Director at Glen Ivy Hot Springs and earlier experience helping launch technology systems at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa.
“At CRIT, that experience now supports my mission to strengthen broadband infrastructure, improve digital access, and create long-term opportunities that will benefit current and future generations of our Tribal community,” Yang said.
As Broadband Director, Yang oversees the planning, funding, development, and implementation of broadband infrastructure projects across Tribal lands. The Broadband Department is responsible for securing grants, coordinating engineering and construction, managing vendors and consultants, meeting funding requirements, and preparing for future broadband growth.
For many people, broadband simply means internet access, but Yang explained that broadband is much more than that.
“Broadband is more than just connectivity—it is the foundation for education, healthcare, economic growth, public safety, and communication,” he said.
For the CRIT community, reliable broadband has the potential to improve daily life in many ways. Students can benefit from online learning and educational resources. Families can stay better connected and access important services. Elders may have greater access to telehealth and healthcare resources. Local businesses can grow through online services and e-commerce, while Tribal departments can improve operations, communication, and public service delivery. (more…)
