August 19, 2026 4:42 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
August 19, 2026 4:42 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
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
According to KJZZ News, potential Colorado River cutbacks could increase operating costs for Arizona water utilities and even affect their credit ratings, which utilities rely on to fund infrastructure projects. Analysts say uncertainty around long-term river supplies makes financial planning more difficult and could raise costs tied to water treatment, delivery, and conservation investments. These financial ripple effects show how water shortages extend beyond environmental concerns into economic stability across the region. For CRIT, shifts in regional water costs and infrastructure planning can influence broader river management decisions that ultimately affect how tribal water rights are maintained and utilized.
Source: KJZZ News — https://www.kjzz.org/the-show/2026-02-11/colorado-river-cuts-could-increase-arizona-utilities-costs-and-affect-their-credit-ratings
According to the Sierra Vista Herald Review, basin states are facing an approaching deadline to agree on new Colorado River management guidelines before current rules expire. Ongoing disagreements between Upper Basin and Lower Basin states, combined with continued drought pressures, have slowed negotiations and raised concerns about potential legal disputes if a consensus is not reached. Federal oversight remains a key factor in shaping how future allocations will be determined. For CRIT, these negotiations are important because federal river management decisions directly affect how tribal water rights are recognized, protected, and incorporated into long-term basin planning.
Source: Sierra Vista Herald Review — https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/state/deadline-approaches-for-colorado-river-negotiations/article_5dd6fa1d-eed1-4d98-82f2-4a754853da3c.html
According to KTNV Channel 13 News in Las Vegas, low snowpack levels across the Mountain West are raising concerns about water supplies for Southern Nevada and the broader Colorado River Basin. Snowpack acts as a natural reservoir that feeds rivers and storage lakes during spring runoff, so below-average levels can reduce future water availability and increase pressure on already stressed reservoirs. Experts say continued dry conditions could complicate long-term water planning across the Southwest. For CRIT, declining snowpack is significant because reduced river flows can influence future allocation decisions and federal management strategies affecting tribal water resources.
Source: KTNV News — https://www.ktnv.com/news/why-low-snowpack-levels-raising-alarms-for-southern-nevada-water-supply
According to Newsweek, new data showing concerning water levels at Lake Powell is adding to ongoing worries about the long-term stability of the Colorado River system. Reservoir levels play a critical role in determining water deliveries, hydropower production, and shortage declarations throughout the Southwest. Continued drought conditions combined with sustained demand have kept pressure on the basin’s major storage systems. For CRIT, reservoir conditions remain important because federal water management decisions tied to storage levels directly affect how tribal water allocations are managed and protected.
Source: Newsweek — https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-levels-as-concerning-data-revealed-11500468
According to the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, Lake Powell and Lake Mead have recently shown differing storage trends, reflecting the complexity of managing water across the Colorado River system. Researchers say reservoir operations, inflows, releases, and ongoing drought conditions all contribute to shifting water levels that can affect supply planning throughout the basin. Understanding how these reservoirs interact is key to long-term river management decisions. For CRIT, these reservoir dynamics matter because federal operational decisions tied to storage levels directly influence how Colorado River water is allocated and protected for tribal communities.
Source: Center for Colorado River Studies — https://qanr.usu.edu/coloradoriver/news/blog-2026-2-9
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…)
The Colorado River has faced historic drought and declining reservoir levels for more than two decades. In 2019, the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, and representatives of the seven Colorado River Basin states signed the Drought Contingency Plans (DCP). The plans established coordinated conservation measures to reduce the risk of Lake Mead and Lake Powell falling to critically low levels.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) were among the Colorado River water users that voluntarily agreed to conserve water as part of the DCP. Between 2020 and 2022, the Tribes conserved 150,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water, helping keep additional water in Lake Mead. An acre-foot is enough water to cover one acre of land one foot deep.
CRIT received compensation for the 150,000 acre-feet it conserved. The effort also left approximately 10,000 acre-feet of additional water in Lake Mead. CRIT was not compensated for that portion, which became the Tribes’ Intentionally Created Surplus (ICS).
ICS is conserved water stored in Lake Mead for later use. The Bureau of Reclamation continues to credit the water to CRIT, similar to money held in a savings account. The balance is separate from the Tribes’ regular annual Colorado River allocation, and using it would not reduce CRIT’s allocation in future years.
Two rules govern CRIT’s ICS water. The first involves evaporation. The Bureau of Reclamation accounts for ICS as water stored at the top of the reservoir, making it subject to evaporation losses. Similar to water sitting in an uncovered container, water at the surface is the first to evaporate.
Those losses have reduced CRIT’s original ICS balance from approximately 10,000 acre-feet to 9,009 acre-feet. Water lost through evaporation cannot be recovered, and CRIT does not receive compensation for it. The longer the water remains in Lake Mead, the less CRIT has available to use or receive compensation for.
The second rule limits who may use ICS. It may only be used by the federal government or another entity that also holds ICS. Under the current rules, the Central Arizona Project, commonly known as CAP, and the Gila River Indian Community are the only eligible users for CRIT’s stored water.
CAP has approached Tribal Council about using the water in exchange for compensation. A possible agreement would allow CRIT to receive value from the remaining balance before additional water is lost through evaporation.
CRIT’s ICS is a finite Tribal resource created through conservation. Tribal Council is now considering how to use the remaining 9,009 acre-feet before evaporation further reduces its potential value.
On July 31, the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was released for the Post-2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Attorney General’s Office swiftly responded upon its release. There are major highlights to note in both the comment letter and the FEIS.
The release of the FEIS is the next step in the process of Reclamation implementing an operations plan for the upcoming water year beginning on October 1. We expect a Record of Decision (ROD), where Reclamation will identify the overall operational parameters for Lake Powell and Lake Mead for the next 10 years, to be released later this week.
CRIT’s declaration of Personhood Status has made it into the official federal record through the FEIS. For the first time ever, Reclamation has acknowledged that the Colorado River is entitled to protection under CRIT law. While it may appear to be a small acknowledgment within this massive federal document, its significance should not be overlooked because it recognizes CRIT’s sovereign Tribal law and its role in protecting the River for generations to come.
Reclamation removed pro-rata distribution from the Preferred Alternative, as it had previously told Council they would (read about their visit here https://bit.ly/4z4Yl13). The letter acknowledges that the federal government has stated in the Preferred Alternative that it will not impact Tribal water entitlements and that any water transactions must be between willing parties.
While Reclamation removed pro-rata from the Preferred Alternative, it did not remove the language from its initial listing of alternatives. The Attorney General was clear that CRIT will always oppose any approach that could disregard the established priority system by allocating shortages proportionally among water users, including those with senior rights, instead of following the law and protecting senior Tribal rights.
Despite these important developments, Reclamation did not fully address CRIT’s earlier comments, and concerns remain with the Final EIS. It continues to incorrectly group CRIT with Tribes that receive water through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). CRIT’s water rights are directly from the Colorado River and are acknowledged in Arizona v. California as the senior-most Tribal right on the Colorado River, which makes CRIT’s water rights fundamentally different from those of Tribes in Central Arizona. Therefore, treating CRIT as though it is similarly situated to CAP Tribes is fundamentally wrong and risks obscuring the legal priority and unique status of CRIT’s water rights.
Just as importantly, CRIT again raised concerns about the lack of meaningful Tribal participation in the broader Basin States negotiation process. CRIT’s position is that Tribal Nations must have a meaningful role in shaping the decisions, not simply an opportunity to comment after those decisions have already taken form.
Quickly filing the comment letter before Reclamation takes any action, and identifying the items in the FEIS where Reclamation failed to address CRIT’s comments, are important parts of the legal process necessary to preserve CRIT’s rights for the future.
Read the comment letter in its entirety and the FEIS below.
Comment Letter
L_Colorado River Indian Tribes_Comments to BOR on Final EIS on Post-2026 Operation Guidelines for Lake Powell and Mead_08022026
FEIS
https://www.usbr.gov/ColoradoRiverBasin/post2026/final-eis/index.html
Chairwoman Amelia Flores:
“The Colorado River Indian Tribes appreciates the continued engagement by the Bureau of Reclamation as the Post-2026 Colorado River operations process moves forward. In response to CRIT’s request Reclamation recently reached out to us and walked us through the portions of the final Environmental Impact Statement relating to changes made to the document in response to comments CRIT raised during the process, but we were not shown the entire statement.
We are encouraged that Reclamation has acknowledged in the final EIS the recent action taken by Tribal Council acknowledging the Colorado River is alive and entitled to protection under CRIT Tribal law.We are also encouraged the final preferred alternative does not include allocating shortages on a pro rata basis for all water users, but instead any allocation of shortages would occur through the existing priority system or through agreements between willing parties. As long as federal agencies follow the law CRIT’s senior water rights will be protected.
We remain concerned that the BIA’s failure to properly maintain our irrigation systems adversely impacts on our ability to conserve and properly use our Colorado River water allocation.
We are mindful of the significant shortages that will be borne by tribal and other water users elsewhere in Arizona and we remain hopeful that an agreement between the United States, and the seven basin states that respects tribal sovereignty will be reached.
At the same time, we remain concerned that the highly compressed schedule severely limits our ability to conduct a comprehensive review before the document becomes final. The conversation with Reclamation was helpful, but it was not government-to-government consultation. Going forward, as the preferred alternative is being implemented, CRIT expects true consultation that respects our sovereign status and provides adequate time for meaningful review and input.”
Vice Chairman Dwight Lomayesva:
“This consultation was a good start. Our immediate need is to protect CRIT’s allocation and ensure the federal government follows the law. When received, CRIT will evaluate the final EIS and protect the Tribe’s rights, resources, and future on the Colorado River.”
