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According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, Yuma officials are preparing for possible Colorado River water cuts as negotiations over future river operations continue. Yuma, a major agricultural hub, depends heavily on Colorado River water, and local leaders say reductions could impact farming, jobs, and the regional economy.
As federal and state officials work toward new post-2026 guidelines, communities like Yuma are closely watching how water shortages will be distributed across the basin. The uncertainty reflects ongoing challenges in reaching agreement among the seven basin states.
For CRIT, impacts to Yuma highlight how reductions in Colorado River water can affect agriculture and economies across the region, reinforcing the importance of protecting water rights and ensuring fair allocation decisions.
According to KJZZ, water conservation efforts in Arizona are becoming increasingly expensive, and officials are exploring whether large corporations could help cover some of the costs. Programs aimed at reducing water use, such as paying farmers or industries to conserve water, require significant funding.
State leaders and water managers are looking at partnerships with businesses to support conservation efforts as Colorado River supplies continue to decline. The goal is to find sustainable ways to reduce water use without placing the entire financial burden on taxpayers.
For CRIT, this reflects a broader shift in how water conservation is being funded and managed. As water becomes more limited, decisions about who pays for conservation efforts will play a key role in shaping long-term water policy.
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, nearly $889 million is being invested in water infrastructure projects across the western United States. The funding will support efforts to improve water storage, conservation, and system efficiency as drought conditions continue.
The investment is part of a larger federal effort to strengthen water systems and address long-term shortages in the Colorado River Basin and other regions. Projects may include upgrades to canals, reservoirs, and water delivery systems. (more…)
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, Yuma officials are preparing for possible Colorado River water cuts as negotiations over future river operations continue. Yuma, a major agricultural hub, depends heavily on Colorado River water, and local leaders say reductions could impact farming, jobs, and the regional economy.
As federal and state officials work toward new post-2026 guidelines, communities like Yuma are closely watching how water shortages will be distributed across the basin. The uncertainty reflects ongoing challenges in reaching agreement among the seven basin states.
For CRIT, impacts to Yuma highlight how reductions in Colorado River water can affect agriculture and economies across the region, reinforcing the importance of protecting water rights and ensuring fair allocation decisions.
According to KJZZ, water conservation efforts in Arizona are becoming increasingly expensive, and officials are exploring whether large corporations could help cover some of the costs. Programs aimed at reducing water use, such as paying farmers or industries to conserve water, require significant funding.
State leaders and water managers are looking at partnerships with businesses to support conservation efforts as Colorado River supplies continue to decline. The goal is to find sustainable ways to reduce water use without placing the entire financial burden on taxpayers.
For CRIT, this reflects a broader shift in how water conservation is being funded and managed. As water becomes more limited, decisions about who pays for conservation efforts will play a key role in shaping long-term water policy.
According to the Daily Independent, Governor Katie Hobbs is working to involve national business leaders in Arizona’s efforts to address Colorado River water challenges. The state is seeking support from major industries to help advocate for Arizona’s position in ongoing river negotiations.
The move comes as Arizona faces potential reductions in its Colorado River allocation and increasing pressure to secure long-term water supplies. State officials are expanding their approach by bringing in economic stakeholders to strengthen their position.
For CRIT, this shows how water negotiations are expanding beyond government agencies to include business interests. These broader coalitions could influence how water decisions are made and how resources are prioritized across the basin. (more…)
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media
According to the Arizona Mirror, rural Arizona residents are pushing back against a proposed bill that would allow a hedge fund to transport and sell groundwater from rural areas to cities like Phoenix. Opponents argue the measure could drain local water supplies and remove control from the communities that depend on those resources.
The proposal highlights growing tensions between rural and urban water needs as Arizona faces increasing pressure from Colorado River shortages. As cities look for new water sources, rural communities are raising concerns about long-term sustainability and fairness.
For CRIT, this issue reflects a larger pattern across the Southwest, where water is becoming a highly valuable and contested resource. Decisions about who controls and benefits from water supplies are directly tied to protecting Tribal water rights and ensuring long-term access.
According to Signals AZ, decisions being made about the Colorado River’s future could have significant impacts on Yuma, one of Arizona’s most important agricultural regions. Yuma relies heavily on Colorado River water to support farming and local economies.
As negotiations continue over how to manage the river after 2026, potential reductions in water allocations could affect crop production and economic stability in the region. Officials are closely monitoring how federal plans may shape future water deliveries.
For CRIT, impacts to regions like Yuma highlight how interconnected the Colorado River system is. Changes in water distribution anywhere along the river can affect the overall balance of the system and influence decisions that impact Tribal communities downstream.
According to KJZZ, there is renewed discussion about restarting the dormant desalination plant in Yuma as a way to supplement Colorado River supplies. The plant, which treats water from Mexico, has long been considered a potential tool to help offset water shortages in the region.
Supporters say reviving the plant could help increase available water as Colorado River supplies continue to decline. However, questions remain about cost, environmental impacts, and long-term feasibility.
For CRIT, desalination represents one of several strategies being explored to reduce pressure on the Colorado River. These types of projects could play a role in shaping future water availability across the basin.
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, treated seawater is being considered as a potential solution to help Arizona address deeper Colorado River water cuts. The idea involves desalinating ocean water and transporting it inland to supplement existing supplies. (more…)
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media
According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), the February 2026 drought status report shows ongoing drought conditions across much of Arizona, with long-term dryness continuing to impact water supplies. While some areas have seen minor improvements, snowpack and precipitation levels remain below average in key regions that help feed rivers and groundwater systems.
These conditions are part of a broader trend across the Colorado River Basin, where reduced snowpack and warmer temperatures continue to limit water availability. Drought conditions not only affect surface water but also place increased pressure on groundwater resources as communities rely more heavily on alternative supplies.
For CRIT, ongoing drought conditions are critical because they directly impact the Colorado River system. Reduced water availability upstream can influence river flows, reservoir levels, and long-term water management decisions that affect Tribal water rights and future planning.
According to CBS 5 Arizona’s Family, two proposed Arizona bills would allow rural groundwater to be sold and transported to larger cities. Supporters say the legislation could help address water shortages in growing urban areas, while opponents argue it could drain rural water supplies and negatively impact local communities.
Residents in rural areas have raised concerns about losing control over their groundwater, especially as demand increases from cities facing Colorado River cutbacks. The issue highlights growing tension between rural and urban water needs in Arizona.
For CRIT, groundwater policy is closely tied to the broader conversation about water use and resource protection. As pressure on the Colorado River increases, decisions about groundwater transfers could reshape how water is distributed across the state and impact long-term water security.
According to the Payson Roundup, Arizona’s congressional delegation is متحد in opposing a federal plan that could reduce the state’s Colorado River water supply. Lawmakers argue the proposal would unfairly impact Arizona and are calling for a more balanced approach to managing shortages across the basin.
The opposition reflects ongoing disagreements between states and federal officials as new rules for managing the Colorado River after 2026 are developed. Arizona leaders say they are working to protect the state’s share of river water amid growing scarcity.
For CRIT, federal decisions about Colorado River allocations are especially important because they influence how water shortages are shared and how Tribal water rights are recognized within the system.
According to NOAA Drought.gov, snow drought conditions continue across much of the western United States, meaning there is less snowpack available to supply rivers like the Colorado River. Even when storms occur, warmer temperatures can cause snow to melt too early or fall as rain instead.
Snowpack acts as a natural storage system for water, slowly releasing runoff into rivers during the spring and summer. When snowpack is low, less water flows into reservoirs like Lake Powell and Lake Mead, which are critical to the Colorado River system.
For CRIT, snow drought conditions are a key concern because they directly affect how much water enters the Colorado River each year, influencing water availability for Tribal communities and long-term resource planning.
According to the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, President Buu Nygren is urging swift passage of a water rights settlement aimed at addressing long-standing water access challenges for the Navajo Nation. The settlement is intended to help secure water infrastructure and provide reliable access to water for communities that have faced shortages for generations.
Tribal leaders emphasize that water rights settlements are essential for ensuring that allocated water can actually be delivered and used, especially in areas lacking infrastructure.
For CRIT, this highlights the broader importance of Tribal water rights across the Colorado River Basin. Securing and developing water rights remains a key issue for Tribal Nations working to protect their resources and support their communities.
According to Tribal Business News, federal officials are warning of a funding gap as tribes support a proposed $5 billion Arizona water settlement. The settlement aims to resolve water rights issues and fund infrastructure projects, but concerns remain about whether sufficient federal funding will be available.
Tribal leaders continue to advocate for investment in water systems to ensure that water rights can be fully realized. Without funding, even legally secured water rights may remain difficult to access or use.
For CRIT, this reinforces the importance of both water rights and the infrastructure needed to support them. Funding decisions at the federal level can directly impact how Tribal Nations develop and protect their water resources.
By Ariana Romero CRIT Media
According to 12News (KPNX), the Central Arizona Project (CAP) is warning that Arizona could face up to $2.7 trillion in economic losses under a worst-case Colorado River management scenario.
CAP officials say severe water reductions could impact agriculture, housing development, and overall economic growth across the state. The Colorado River is a primary water source for Arizona, and any major cutbacks would ripple through multiple sectors.
For CRIT, this highlights how closely water is tied to economic stability. Decisions about Colorado River water are not just environmental, they directly affect jobs, infrastructure, and the long-term well-being of Tribal communities that depend on the river.
According to Newsweek, Lake Powell could see some of its lowest water levels in 25 years due to continued drought and low snowpack across the Colorado River Basin.
Forecasts show that inflows into the reservoir this year could be among the lowest on record, with only about 36% of average runoff expected. If water levels drop too low, it could threaten hydropower production at Glen Canyon Dam and reduce the system’s ability to store and deliver water.
For CRIT, Lake Powell plays a major role in managing the Colorado River system. Declining reservoir levels can affect how water is released downstream, which impacts water availability for communities, agriculture, and Tribal Nations along the river.
According to Indianz.com, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is preparing to hold a hearing focused on Tribal water rights.
The hearing will address ongoing efforts to secure and protect water rights for Tribal Nations, many of which are still working to finalize settlements and access infrastructure needed to fully use their water allocations.
For CRIT, this is especially important because Tribal Nations hold some of the most senior water rights on the Colorado River. Federal discussions and decisions around these rights can influence how water is allocated, protected, and developed for Tribal communities now and in the future.
Sources
Indianz.com: https://indianz.com/News/2026/03/10/senate-committee-on-indian-affairs-sets-hearing-on-water-rights/
According to KOLD News 13, ongoing debates over how Colorado River water should be allocated could have major consequences for Arizona farmers. Agriculture relies heavily on Colorado River water, particularly through deliveries from the Central Arizona Project.
If deeper cuts are implemented under new federal operating guidelines, many agricultural operations could face significant reductions in available water. Farmers and water managers are closely watching negotiations as federal officials work to finalize new management rules for the river after 2026.
For CRIT, these discussions are important because agriculture remains one of the largest users of Colorado River water. Decisions about water allocations across the basin could influence farming operations, economic stability, and long-term water planning throughout the region.
According to the Los Angeles Times, officials from Arizona, California, and Nevada are urging the federal government to reconsider parts of its draft plan for managing Colorado River water shortages.
Leaders from the Lower Basin states say the proposal could shift too much responsibility for water reductions onto their states, even though they have already implemented conservation measures in recent years. The request highlights ongoing tensions between the Upper Basin and Lower Basin states as the federal government works toward new operating rules.
For CRIT and other Tribal Nations along the river, the outcome of these negotiations will shape how water shortages are shared across the basin and how the Colorado River is managed in the future.
According to KJZZ, a new agreement involving Arizona and Mexico could move forward plans to produce desalinated ocean water that could eventually supplement Colorado River supplies.
The concept would involve building desalination facilities along the Gulf of California and transporting treated water inland. While the project would require major infrastructure and investment, supporters say it could help reduce reliance on the Colorado River during prolonged drought conditions.
For CRIT, proposals like this reflect how states are exploring alternative water sources as pressure on the Colorado River increases and long-term supply challenges continue.
From his start as a dishwasher to his role as a head chef at Steak 44 in Phoenix, CRIT Tribal Member Quincy Stone has built a culinary career that recently took him to Canton, Ohio. There, he helped cater a banquet honoring former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald during his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His aunt, Rachel Martinez, contacted CRIT Media because she wanted his hard work and accomplishment to be recognized. “It’s not every day one of our Tribal Members is invited to such an event,” Martinez said. “He doesn’t feel it’s a big deal, but I do, and I am very proud of him.”
Stone recently learned that he will travel to Beverly Hills next month to assist with additional catering events. Details about the events have not yet been announced.
Congratulations to Quincy on this accomplishment. The Colorado River Indian Tribes wishes him continued success as he represents the CRIT community and continues building his culinary career. Congratulations, Quincy on all your success and you always have the support from your home, the Colorado River Indian Tribes.
Location: Desert Sun Development #86 (100 Homes) Parker Arizona, 85344
Incident: Shooting
******Update******
At this time there is no more threat to the community. Taylor Goodman is now in custody at the CRIT Men’s Detention Facility. I would like to personally thank the community for sharing the post and spreading this information for people to see and help find this person. Thank you.
Cody Paddock, Chief of Police
Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department
Date: September 20, 2026
Location: Desert Sun Development #86 (100 Homes) Parker Arizona, 85344
Incident: Shooting
At approximately 2:52 a.m. in the morning, CRIT Dispatch received 911 calls in reference to a possible break-in at #86 Desert Sun Development. As officers arrived on scene, they found an unresponsive male subject lying at the front doorway of the residence with a single gunshot wound.
Medical and Fire were called and responded to assist the subject with life saving measures. The male subject was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. Bureau of Indian Affairs Investigator and Federal Bureau of Investigations were called and responded to the scene. At this time, it was stated that a male subject fled the scene, unknown direction of travel. This is currently an active investigation.
Person of interest: Taylor Joel Goodman, Native American, Height 5’09” Weight 300 Hair: brown, Eyes: Brown. If seen, do not approach the subject, he is considered armed and dangerous. Call 911 or CRIT Police Department.
If you have any information regarding this investigation, please call the CRIT Police Department at (928) 669-1277 or the TIPPS Hotline at (928) 669-5341
This case is being investigated by the CRIT Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Bureau of Indian Affairs. We will update as soon as more information is available.
Cody Paddock, Chief of Police
Colorado River Indian Tribes Police Department
The Colorado River Indian Tribes and the Central Arizona Water Conservation District (CAWCD) have reached an agreement to deliver 9,009 acre-feet of CRIT Intentionally Created Surplus (ICS) water to the CAWCD. This represents the last remaining water CRIT made available as part of the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) that was agreed to back in 2019.
The ICS was previously conserved between 2020 and 2022, when in response to requests from the federal government, CRIT conserved water to help stabilize Lake Mead. CRIT conserved approximately 160,000 acre-feet and was compensated $38 million for 150,000 acre-feet of conservation (the average value of that water was approximately $254 per acre-foot). There was additional conserved water of approximately 10,009 acre-feet for which CRIT was never compensated. It was converted into ICS so it would not be lost and is still behind Hoover Dam in Lake Mead.
Under the agreement, the CAWCD will compensate CRIT at $590 per acre-foot, for a total of $5.3 million, to be executed in two payments.
The CAWCD is the public agency that operates and maintains the physical infrastructure of the Central Arizona Project (CAP).
The ICS Agreements include requirements to account for system and evaporation losses, accounting, and use. By entering into this agreement now, CRIT will avoid future reductions in its ICS to account for evaporation and system losses; CRIT’s ICS water has already been allocated a 10% reduction, which is why the account balance is now 9009 acre-feet. In addition to system losses and evaporation, there are also upcoming limitations that restrict ICS recovery when Lake Mead falls to certain elevations. In agreeing to allow CAWCD to recover CRIT’s ICS, Tribal Council is being proactive in gaining compensation for this remaining water made available in the DCP prior to this water being devalued or otherwise lost. (more…)
The Colorado River Indian Tribes’ new Head Start School is moving closer to opening, with the sewer system expected to be ready for final inspection during the week of September 21, 2026. Once final approvals are received, the project team will be able to move toward opening the new school.
The delay has been tied primarily to operation and capacity issues at the Joint Venture Sewer treatment facility. Because of those issues, the project team had to redesign the school’s sewer system so it would meet Joint Venture Sewer requirements before the facility could become operational.
That redesign required additional engineering work for a holding tank and lift station system. The system will temporarily store wastewater and then release it into the Joint Venture Sewer system in a controlled, timed discharge during non-peak hours. A contractor also had to be brought on to complete the additional installation and related work.
The project team has continued working closely with Joint Venture Sewer, CRIT Utilities, CRIT Building & Safety, the engineering team, and contractors to finish the required work and secure final approval.
When it opens, the new facility will include 10 classrooms, a large multi-purpose room with capacity for 500 people, a playground, a bus barn, and room for future expansion.
CRIT received a $13.8 million federal grant to help fund the project. CRIT is contributing another $7.2 million, bringing the total investment to nearly $20.8 million.
CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores said, “This represents a vital investment in our children. The benefits of this facility will be felt for generations as we seek to provide our children with the best possible head start as they prepare for school, life, and the opportunities that await. We want to thank everyone for their patience during this time. This is a momentous step forward in the right direction for the entire community, and we thank everyone who helped get us this far.”
