July 28, 2026 3:28 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 28, 2026 3:28 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
Enrollment is now open for the Arizona Master Irrigators Program, a collaborative effort by the Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, and Cooperative Extension Services. This program covers a wide range of irrigation and agriculture-focused topics, including soil, water and plant relationships, calculations, canal and ditch water distribution, irrigation practices, pumps and flow systems, fertility, food safety, field management, and safety leadership. 💧🌱
Courses will be offered in both English and Spanish, with translation technology available for students to take home. Those interested in participating should submit their affiliation, contact information, and completed application.
For more information, visit www.agribusinessarizona.org or contact the Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona at (480) 558-5301 or Stephanie@agribusinessarizona.org
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.
According to KJZZ News, Colorado River negotiators may be leaning toward a short-term agreement as states remain divided on a long-term plan for managing the river before current operating rules expire. Ongoing drought, climate pressures, and disagreements between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states have stalled progress, and some officials believe a temporary deal could help avoid a major court battle while allowing more time for negotiations. Is a five-year deal better than no deal? As Nevada water negotiator John Entsminger noted, “If the alternative is litigation… then a five-year deal starts pretty good,” reflecting concerns that legal disputes could complicate future water management even further. For CRIT, these discussions remain important because federal river management decisions, compact negotiations, and potential legal outcomes directly affect how tribal water rights are protected, recognized, and sustained for future generations.
According to AZ Free News, the Arizona House has approved an additional $1 million for the state’s Colorado River litigation fund, signaling growing concern that water allocation disputes could end up in court as negotiations over future river management continue. State leaders say the funding is meant to ensure Arizona is prepared to defend its interests if talks between basin states break down, reflecting increasing tension as drought, population growth, and competing demands strain the river system. Legal disputes have historically shaped water distribution in the Lower Basin, including the Arizona v. California Supreme Court decision that affirmed tribal water rights. For CRIT, continued legal developments around Colorado River allocations are significant because court decisions often influence how tribal water rights are protected, enforced, and recognized in future negotiations.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, ongoing drought conditions and limited snowpack are increasing pressure on Colorado River water supplies, raising concerns that the basin may face even tighter shortages in the near future. Experts note that declining reservoir levels and continued demand across the Southwest make it harder to stabilize the system, especially as negotiations continue over future operating rules. Some officials warn that without significant conservation or improved conditions, legal disputes between basin states could become more likely. For CRIT, ongoing shortage risks matter because long-term river stability and federal allocation decisions directly influence how tribal water rights are protected and exercised.
According to Arizona Capitol Times, a judge is reviewing whether agricultural groundwater pumping by Fondomonte in western Arizona constitutes a public nuisance, a case that could shape future groundwater regulation statewide. The lawsuit argues that heavy pumping may be affecting nearby wells and water sustainability, highlighting ongoing tensions between agriculture, development, and long-term water conservation. Outcomes from cases like this can influence how groundwater use is monitored and regulated across Arizona. For CRIT, groundwater policy discussions are important because regional water management decisions can affect broader basin planning and long-term protection of tribal water resources.
According to Nevada Current, growing data center development across the Southwest is increasing demand for both water and power, raising concerns among regulators and rural communities about sustainability. Large technology facilities often require significant cooling resources, prompting discussions about infrastructure planning, water efficiency, and future resource allocation. As population growth and technology expansion continue, water demand from emerging industries is becoming part of broader basin conversations. For CRIT, rising industrial water demand across the region highlights the importance of protecting tribal water rights and ensuring long-term sustainability of Colorado River resources.
Article written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
End of January 2026
Axios Phoenix
Governor Katie Hobbs traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal officials and other Basin state governors as the deadline to reach a Colorado River agreement approaches. Arizona is pushing to avoid deeper mandatory cuts that would heavily affect Central Arizona Project deliveries.
Colorado Sun
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and the state’s top water negotiator joined the D.C. meetings, signaling growing urgency among Upper Basin states. Officials acknowledged drought forecasts are “exceedingly grim,” with reservoirs unlikely to recover soon.
Las Vegas Weekly
Nevada and six other Basin states are running out of time to agree on a plan for managing the shrinking Colorado River. If no consensus is reached, the federal government is expected to impose its own operating rules.
Rep. David Schweikert Press Release
Congressman Schweikert introduced the “Equal Access to the Colorado River Act,” claiming it would protect Arizona during future shortages. The proposal focuses on reallocating access during drought conditions.
Prescott eNews
Panels of experts and negotiators warned that despite ongoing talks, major disagreements remain unresolved. Some officials are openly preparing for legal and political fights if negotiations fail.
Post Independent
Colorado officials are signaling readiness to fight for their water allocations if no deal is reached, reflecting hardened positions among states.
Arizona Republic / State Affairs
New legislation would make it easier to move water from rural Arizona to growing cities, including changes affecting irrigation and groundwater use.
NBC Palm Springs / LA Times
California officials are debating how to manage water deliveries as federal Colorado River rules near expiration. Environmental groups warn that ecosystem collapse is possible if large diversions continue.
Nevada Independent
Nevada’s warmer winter may reduce snowpack and hydropower generation, potentially increasing water and energy costs for residents.
KJZZ
Arizona lawmakers advanced legislation to increase the state’s Colorado River litigation fund, signaling preparation for court battles if negotiations collapse. Colorado is doing the same, underscoring how close the basin is to legal confrontation rather than collaboration.
KJZZ
Central Arizona Project leaders warned that deep federal water cuts would severely impact Arizona communities, agriculture, and economies that rely on CAP deliveries.
Arizona Water News (ADWR)
Arizona’s water director told state lawmakers that the Colorado River is entering a “new paradigm” where historic rules no longer match hydrology or climate reality. Long-term shortages are now assumed, not hypothetical.
California Department of Water Resources
California announced increased State Water Project allocations following December storms, improving flexibility for cities and farms. Officials emphasized that this does not end long-term supply risks. (more…)
KAWC Yuma Public Radio
As the federal deadline approaches, Colorado River stewards and water managers are openly debating which options remain viable to stabilize the river. Discussions now center on short-term operational changes, deeper conservation, and the possibility of federal intervention if states cannot agree.
Parker Pioneer
Local officials and residents raised concerns over proposed legislation that would allow groundwater transfers out of the McMullen Valley Basin, fearing it could accelerate depletion in western Arizona.
SignalsAZ
Queen Creek announced steps to secure its long-term water future through a mix of groundwater, imported water, and infrastructure investment.
NBC 9 News Denver / ABC4 Utah
Lawmakers and governors across the Basin are aligning legislative agendas around water security as negotiations intensify. Leaders acknowledge that compromise will be unavoidable.
Eurasia Review
An international analysis examines how climate change, overuse, and governance failures have pushed the Colorado River toward crisis, calling for coordinated action across jurisdictions.
Arizona House Committee on Natural Resources (Video)
Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke testified before lawmakers, outlining the seriousness of the Colorado River situation and the potential consequences if Basin states fail to reach agreement. He emphasized that Arizona remains highly vulnerable to deeper cuts under federal plans.
Colorado Sun
State water officials warn that drought forecasts and reservoir levels in Colorado are worse than previously expected, increasing urgency for action.
January 26, 2026
ABC15 Arizona
The Central Arizona Project’s general manager warned that deeper Colorado River cuts would have severe impacts across Arizona, affecting municipal supplies, agriculture, and long-term planning. Officials stressed that Arizona is particularly vulnerable because CAP deliveries are among the first reduced during shortages.
Lake Havasu News Herald
Arizona lawmakers are weighing funding for drone-based cloud seeding programs aimed at increasing snowfall in key watersheds. Supporters see it as a potential tool to enhance runoff into the Colorado River system.
Arizona Republic
Mesa is finishing a $210 million water reuse pipeline that will reduce reliance on Colorado River water by recycling treated wastewater for non-drinking uses.
KJZZ
New aircraft equipped with laser technology will measure snow depth and water content across Arizona’s mountains, improving runoff forecasts.
Wyoming is exploring a voluntary program to conserve Colorado River water, potentially paying users to leave water in the river.
ABC15 Arizona
Seven Western governors, including Arizona’s governor, are traveling to Washington, D.C., as negotiations intensify and deadlines approach. States are scrambling to present unified positions ahead of federal meetings.
KUNR
Extraordinary winter warmth continues to suppress snowpack across much of the West. Officials warn that poor snow accumulation could require additional reservoir releases, including from Flaming Gorge, to meet downstream needs.
Colorado Sun
As data centers expand into Colorado, concerns are growing about their large water footprints in already-stressed regions.
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
Deputy Commissioner David Palumbo and Representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation (referred to as Reclamation) met with the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Tribal Council on June 1st, 2026. This meeting was called a Government-to-Government consultation for on-going dialogue specifically regarding the development of the finalized Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS is a federal review of the different options being considered for operating major Colorado River dams and reservoirs after 2026, and the potential impacts of those options. In this meeting, representatives from Reclamation laid out developing plans they are calling Post 2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. In these guidelines, it will determine how the major Colorado River reservoirs, specifically Lake Powell and Lake Mead, are operated after the current rules expire. At the heart of Reclamation’s visit was the opportunity not only to explain its plans for the Colorado River and the Final EIS, but also to address CRIT’s major concerns with the Draft EIS. Most notably, the Draft EIS discusses the possibility of allocating shortages among all water users without regard to priority date. Priority date is the legal order that determines which water rights are senior and must be lawfully protected before junior users, to which CRIT has senior priority. This approach is known as pro rata allocation of shortages, and if applied, it will directly violate the Tribe’s senior water rights.
Reclamation’s presentation did not come with good news. According to its report, continued drought, climate variability, and historically low reservoir levels have created serious challenges for Colorado River operations. Representatives also explained that the Upper and Lower Basin states had not reached consensus on a Basin-wide proposal at the time of the meeting, making the federal decision-making process especially important. They discussed what they are calling a Preliminary Preferred Alternative: a 10-year framework that would establish broad operational principles and sideboards while allowing specific operational guidelines to be updated every two years. This method would provide flexibility rather than locking the Basin into a single fixed set of rules for the entire decade.
This means that Reclamation will decide operations for 2027–2028 first, then revisit operations for 2029–2030, and continue in two-year cycles. They said this might help tackle things in a real-time manner and adjust if required.
In response, CRIT Tribal Council members emphasized that the present crisis cannot be separated from the federal government’s long-standing obligations to the Tribe, including the need to address aging irrigation infrastructure and support CRIT’s ability to fully use and store its water. Council members expressed that, had those commitments been fulfilled earlier, CRIT and the Basin may be facing a very different situation today. Additionally, the conversation was centered mostly around pro rata, with all of Tribal Council members doubling down on making Reclamation commit to removing pro rata language in the final EIS. (more…)
Andrea Travnicek, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science, recently toured the Colorado River Indian Reservation with Chairwoman Amelia Flores, ‘Amat Kuhwely Farms Manager Joshua Moore, Deputy Attorney General Travis Nez, Lead Water Attorney John Bezdek, Water Resources Director Dillon Esquerra, and Fish & Game Wildlife Manager Alexander Kalinowski. The goal of the visit was for Travnicek to understand in real time about the Tribe’s water, agricultural capabilities, and infrastructure inefficiencies.
Travnicek was accompanied by members of her staff and representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation, an agency within her oversight portfolio. During the visit, Tribal representatives took her to several locations across the reservation to provide a firsthand look at CRIT enterprises, agricultural operations, and the deteriorating irrigation infrastructure affecting the vast farmland throughout the valley.
The tour began at Aha Quin Resort, a Tribally owned and operated recreational destination located on CRIT lands along the California side of the Colorado River.
Travnicek then visited a portion of the valley’s irrigation system, a critical stop because it is where excess water flows through the canals before draining back into the Colorado River. The deteriorating infrastructure limits CRIT’s ability to retain and reuse that water within the irrigation system. Once the water returns to the river, it becomes available to downstream junior users, some of whom have derived substantial economic benefit from water over which CRIT holds a far more senior legal claim, with an earliest priority date of March 3, 1865. The location has long been used to demonstrate the serious condition of the aging irrigation system. By visiting the site, Travnicek was able to observe the problems firsthand and hear Dillon Esquerra and Joshua Moore. explain how the failing infrastructure affects the Tribe’s ability to conserve and efficiently use its water.
The tour continued at ‘Amat Kuhwely Farms, where Travnicek met with Farm Manager Joshua Moore and local farmers John Nelson and tribal member Ciesto Leivas, Jr.. The farmers discussed the challenges of maintaining agricultural operations while relying on aging and unreliable infrastructure throughout the valley. They also discussed the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) inoperable ability to maintain its own infrastructure and how often (if not daily) these farmers need to do the work of the BIA in order to maintain their crops and yield successful results.
Travnicek listened to their concerns and expressed her willingness to elevate these issues with BIA leaders in DC. She relayed how frustrating it must be for them, and for CRIT overall to not see any updates. (more…)
The CRIT Department of Health and Social Services hosted its Health Fair on Wednesday, June 24, at Irataba Hall. The event brought together departments and programs from across the community to share helpful resources and important health information.
There was food, games, raffles, and free shaved ice provided by Uncle Phil’s Awesome Snow Shaved Ice. Guests also left with bags filled with informational flyers, recipes, and useful household items. It was great to see so many departments working together to support and connect with the community.
