Arizona’s Historic Push for the Largest Tribal Water Rights Settlement in U.S. History

A significant step towards securing safe and reliable water for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe has been proposed in Congress. This initiative requires legislative approval to become effective.

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Arizona’s senior Democratic senator, emphasized the historical importance of this moment. “After years of hard work and collaboration, we’re delivering a water settlement that secures reliable, clean water and strengthens Tribal sovereignty,” he stated.

The proposed Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 aims to ratify and fund the largest Indian water rights settlement in the U.S., providing essential water rights to the three tribes. Kelly and U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego introduced the legislation, while U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani has presented identical legislation in the House, with bipartisan support from Arizona Reps. including Yassamin Ansari and Raúl Grijalva.

This settlement will resolve the tribes’ claims to significant water sources, including the main stem of the Colorado River and the Little Colorado River. It guarantees access to over 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water, along with specific groundwater rights.

Additionally, the agreement stipulates that the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe will retain 17,050 acre-feet of Arizona Upper Basin water in Lake Powell each year for the first two decades. It also includes provisions for leasing portions of their water rights, thereby enabling the tribes to explore economic opportunities until local demand is met through new infrastructure.

The legislation proposes $5.1 billion for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of vital water projects, including a distribution pipeline.

Senator Gallego remarked on the long-standing challenges surrounding water rights disputes. “For too long, water rights disputes have prevented them from having full certainty around their water future,” he said. He expressed confidence that this legislation would provide the security and stability the tribes have long deserved.

Governor Katie Hobbs expressed pride in her administration’s support for the settlement, emphasizing its potential to deliver clean water to thousands of Indigenous families, while addressing long-standing injustices and fostering economic progress. “For decades, the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribes have fought for a fundamental human right: access to water,” she stated.

Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley articulated the settlement’s importance for future generations. “This dispute was imposed on us, but with something as vital as water at stake, we came together — not for ourselves, but for our children,” she said, underscoring the need for improved water infrastructure to combat health disparities.

Echoing Curley’s sentiments, Hopi Chairman Tom Nuvangyaoma praised the collaboration among the tribes, stating, “This settlement isn’t for us — it’s for the sustainability and survival of future generations. It must happen.”

Nuvangyaoma affirmed that the settlement would address critical infrastructure needs to ensure a reliable water supply. San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe President Carlene Yellowhair hailed the settlement as a pivotal moment, pointing out the lack of access to clean running water as a long-standing issue for the tribes.

In addition to the water rights and funding provisions, the legislation will officially establish a reservation for the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, granting 5,400 acres within the Navajo Nation’s boundaries. “This legislation establishes our homeland, ensures our water rights, and provides for secure infrastructure,” said San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Vice President Johnny Lehi Jr., expressing optimism about future opportunities.