July 28, 2026 3:29 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 28, 2026 3:29 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
Last week was filled with proud moments, happy tears, and celebrations as students across the community marked important milestones in their educational journeys.
The celebrations began Thursday, May 21, with the Parker Alternative Graduation ceremony that morning. Later that evening, families gathered again as students from Wallace Jr. High and Le Pera Elementary School took part in their promotion ceremonies, marking their next step forward.
The excitement continued Friday, May 22, with Parker High School’s Graduation celebration. Before the ceremony, graduates took part in a parade through town, where family, friends, and community members lined the route to cheer them on as they passed by. It was a special moment of recognition, not only for the graduates, but for everyone who supported them along the way.
The week ended Saturday, May 23, with the Head Start Promotion, a celebration filled with excitement, smiles, and a few tears from both parents and students. Although Head Start was the final event of the week, for many students, it represents where their educational journey first began.
Each ceremony served as a reminder of growth, hard work, and the importance of community support. From the youngest students taking their first big step forward to high school graduates preparing for new opportunities, each milestone is worth celebrating.
Congratulations to all the students who walked across the stage, down the aisle, or through the crowd of cheering loved ones. May you continue to shine, reach your goals, and move forward with confidence.
As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Written by CRIT Media Reporter Ariana Romero
The Bureau of Reclamation told all 30 Tribal Nations in the Colorado River Basin on May 8th that they will no longer seek to allocate across-the-board shortages to all water users as previously proposed but instead will follow current law and respect senior tribal rights. This is a major victory for CRIT, Tribal rights advocates, and holders of senior water rights. As stated by CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores “We are pleased that Reclamation has finally decided to drop its illegal proposal to disregard CRIT’s senior water rights and allocate shortages without regard to priority.” Chair Flores continued, “Tribal Council has never backed down on the issue of protecting our Tribal rights. Throughout this process, Reclamation, and many others, have proposed for setting aside the priority system and for all water users to share equally in shortages. We know this is wrong and we were prepared to defend our senior water rights all the way to the Supreme Court. Fortunately, Reclamation has understood the seriousness of our position and dropped its proposal.”
Tribal Council has opposed these so called “pro-rata” shortages since they were first proposed by Reclamation over two years ago to manage reductions in Colorado River water due to overuse and climate change. Over this time, Tribal Council has been in support to stop the implementation of pro-rata shortages through an intensive and coordinated advocacy effort with the Trump Administration. This included many trips to Washington, DC, meetings with state-wide elected officials, and direct government-to-government consultation with senior Trump Administration officials.
While these efforts paid off in the statements made by Reclamation last week, the process regarding how the dams on the Colorado River will be operated is still ongoing. The CRIT Tribal Council understands that while the Reclamation’s reversal is a critical milestone, the fight to protect and preserve CRIT’s rights remain. As stated by Councilman Tommy Drennan “we will never rest in protecting and preserving our rights, not just for today but for future generations. “
CRIT’s water rights date back to the creation of the reservation, March 3, 1865 and are the most senior tribal water rights in the Lower Colorado River basin. We expect Reclamation to issue a final environmental document sometime in June.
During the mid-1800s, as the American Southwest was rapidly changing, Charles Debrille Poston emerged as one of the key figures helping shape the future of Arizona. A strong promoter of the region and its opportunities, Poston would later earn the nickname “Father of Arizona” for his efforts to establish Arizona as its own territory.
Poston was born on April 20, 1825, in Kentucky. Like many Americans of his time, he moved west in search of opportunity as new lands opened following the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. He soon became involved in mining ventures and settlement efforts in southern Arizona, particularly around the community of Tubac. His work promoting the region helped bring national attention to Arizona’s potential during a time when the area was still largely considered a frontier.
When the Arizona Territory was officially created in 1863, Poston was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the territory, a position that required him to travel throughout Arizona and meet with tribal leaders across the region. His duties frequently brought him to the lower Colorado River, an important transportation corridor that connected Arizona with California and Nevada.
During these travels, Poston visited areas along the river near present-day Parker, where Native communities had lived for generations. The Colorado River served as a lifeline for tribes of the region, supporting agriculture, trade, and daily life long before American settlers arrived. By the early 1860s, however, the arrival of miners, settlers, and military expeditions was beginning to reshape the Southwest and create new challenges for Native communities.
Among the tribal leaders working to navigate these changes was Mohave leader Chief Irataba, known for his diplomacy and efforts to work with federal officials while protecting his people and their homeland. Territorial leaders like Poston met with tribal representatives as the United States government considered how to organize the region and respond to increasing pressure on tribal lands. (more…)
