July 29, 2026 10:04 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
July 29, 2026 10:04 pm
CRIT Nation, Parker, AZ
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
Arizona Budget Proposal Includes Major Funding for Colorado River Protection
On January 16, 2026, the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) shared details of Governor Katie Hobbs’ FY 2027 Executive Budget Proposal focused on preparing for long-term challenges facing the Colorado River. The plan includes new and expanded funding aimed at strengthening water security across Arizona in the face of ongoing Colorado River shortages.
Key points from the budget related to water:
Source:
Arizona Water News https://azwaternews.com/2026/01/16/fy2027_execbudgetproposal/
Arizona announced new groundwater management rules for parts of La Paz County, expanding oversight in an area long known for unregulated pumping. The move follows increased scrutiny of agricultural water use and reflects a broader push to protect groundwater supplies as Colorado River shortages continue. La Paz County lies within CRIT’s region. Stronger groundwater rules help prevent over-pumping that can undermine surface water systems and threaten tribal water security.
A water policy expert argues that Basin states are unlikely to compromise without clear federal consequences. With post-2026 rules approaching, the federal government’s willingness to step in is seen as a key driver for progress. Federal involvement increases the importance of ensuring tribal water rights and sovereignty are explicitly recognized in any imposed or negotiated plan.
Multiple outlets report on the release of the draft post-2026 Colorado River management alternatives by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The plan outlines several options for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including deeper cuts and greater federal control if states fail to agree. Officials stress that public and stakeholder input is still open but time is limited. These alternatives could directly affect downstream water deliveries. CRIT’s senior water rights, sovereignty, and river stewardship must be included before any plan is finalized.
Arizona municipal water providers stress that collaboration during the legislative session will be essential to address shortages, infrastructure needs, and conservation goals tied to the Colorado River.
Legislation was introduced in Congress to formally codify a tribal water rights settlement, providing legal certainty and recognition of the tribe’s rights. Each tribal settlement strengthens the broader recognition of tribal water rights across the Colorado River Basin and reinforces sovereignty.
Reports highlight emerging technologies, including satellite tools and agricultural innovations, aimed at reducing water use and improving efficiency across the West. Technology can support conservation efforts, but it does not replace enforceable water rights or the need to protect river flows.
Several outlets reported on the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which outlines how the Colorado River could be managed after current rules expire in 2026.
The draft lays out five possible management alternatives for operating Lake Powell and Lake Mead, including options where the federal government steps in if Basin states cannot agree. Federal officials acknowledge that a temporary or stopgap deal may be necessary if negotiations remain stalled. These decisions will directly affect how water is released downstream.
As a senior water rights holder, CRIT’s rights and sovereignty must be protected in any final plan. The draft process is a critical opportunity for tribal input.
Coverage from Nevada and Utah outlets explains that while states continue negotiations, deep disagreements remain over how water cuts should be shared. Federal officials are signaling they are prepared to act if consensus is not reached.Some articles describe this moment as a turning point, where long-standing assumptions about water use are being challenged and previously “untouchable” practices are now on the table.
If states fail to agree, federal decisions could reshape river operations. Tribal nations must be included to ensure historic rights are not overlooked.
California-focused reporting explains how the draft federal plan could require additional water cuts, even during wet years. Officials emphasize that recent storms do not erase long-term shortages caused by overuse and climate change.
California’s use affects overall Basin stability. How cuts are distributed influences downstream reliability for Lower Basin users.
Multiple sources covered Arizona’s continued focus on groundwater protection, including new Active Management Areas and enforcement actions tied to large agricultural water users. These efforts are framed as necessary as Colorado River supplies remain uncertain.
As surface water becomes less reliable, pressure shifts to groundwater. Strong regulation helps prevent over-pumping that could undermine regional water security and tribal resources.
Nonprofit and policy reporting highlights a key admission from federal officials: a full, long-term Colorado River agreement may not be ready by 2026, making interim solutions likely. (more…)
On behalf of CRIT we would like to congratulate Yolanda Gomez for 40 years of service and dedication.
Yolanda started her career with the Colorado River Indian Tribes on August 19, 1985 as Secretary with CRIT Farms.
In May of 1991, Yolanda transferred to Accounting as Enterprise Bookkeeper, and in 2008, she received a promotion to Senior Staff Accountant. Because of her expertise and dedication, “Yoli” as she is affectionately called, has also been appointed Acting Controller during times of need.
The Tribal Council and Human Resources Department thanks you for 40+ years of continued service to the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
COLORADO RIVER INDIAN TRIBES
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES
12302 KENNEDY DRIVE
PARKER, ARIZONA 85344
TELEPHONE (928) 669-6577
FAX (928) 669-8881
August 22, 2025
Notice to the Public:
The Colorado River Indian Tribes Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has received information that Mosquito Arbovirus Surveillance was conducted on the Colorado River Indian Reservation on August 19“’ & 20“’, 2025. This surveillance was conducted by the Parker Indian Health Service Office of Environment Health and Engineering (IHS;OEH&E) in partnership with the CRIT Environmental Protection Office (EPO).
There were mosquito pools that were tested for the presence of the West Nile Virus. One sample tested Positive for the presence of the West Nile virus collected at the Poston, Arizona – 50 Homes site. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites by taking precautionary measures to protect you and your family from dusk to dawn.
● Use an insect repellent and reapply as directed.
● Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, covering arms and legs.
● Treat clothing and gear with repellant.
● Take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, drain standing water
in flower pots, bird baths, or old tires.
● Keep doors and windows shut.
Eighty percent (80%) of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms but we are asking the public to report any symptoms that you may be experiencing after a mosquito bite that you feel could be due to the West Nile virus. Symptoms can be flu-like and can include: a fever, a headache, body aches, diarrhea, a rash, nausea and vomiting and can be mild or severe, and may last a few days to a few weeks. However, in rare cases, severe illness can occur; that might include brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, paralysis or even death. There is no vaccine for the WNV in the United States, and there are no specific treatments.
The 50 Homes area was treated in the early morning hours of Friday, August 22, 2025, by CRIT EPO, The Parker IHS OEH&E and CRIT EPO will continue to monitor the area as well as the surrounding areas for West Nile virus activity to reduce the mosquito population.
● If you want to report an environmental issue such as standing water, please call the CRIT Environmental Office at 928-662-4336.
For any symptoms that you may be experiencing, please contact your primary care physician or visit the Emergency Department or call the Parker Indian Health Services Public Health Nursing at 928- 669-213
● For more information on the West Nile virus, please visit this link.
You can also contact the Department of Health and Social Services at 928-669-6577, for more information
