New Legislation Set to Approve Colorado River Water Rights for Three Arizona Tribes

A bipartisan coalition within Arizona’s congressional delegation has introduced groundbreaking legislation to tackle one of the state’s most enduring water issues affecting three tribal communities.

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024 seeks to ratify and finance the most extensive Indian water rights settlement nationally. This act aims to secure water rights for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.

“This legislation and the settlement it ratifies represent a historic step forward in resolving a decades-long water rights dispute,” stated Democratic U.S. Senator Mark Kelly. The legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Kelly and Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema on July 8. Identical legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, with support from Representatives Juan Ciscomani (R-Tucson), Raúl Grijalva (D-Tucson), Greg Stanton (D-Phoenix), and David Schweikert (R-Scottsdale).

“Our historic bipartisan legislation delivers real, lasting results for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe by strengthening water security,” stated Sinema. The act aims to address water claims to the Colorado River’s main stem, the Little Colorado River, and relevant groundwater sources in Arizona for these tribes.

Senator Kelly highlighted the sovereignty this settlement upholds for the tribes and its pivotal role in fostering growth through water infrastructure. The bill sets out to achieve a comprehensive and equitable resolution for all water rights claims in Arizona for the three tribal nations.

Besides resolving ongoing water claims, the settlement includes billions of dollars for essential water development and delivery projects. These projects aim to facilitate reliable access to water resources through various channels including the Colorado River basins and local aquifers.

The associate general manager of water resources at the Salt River Project, Leslie A. Meyers, expressed strong support for the legislation. “The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement is a monumental achievement that has emerged from nearly 30 years of negotiation.”

The settlement promises $5 billion in funding for critical water development initiatives, which include a $1.75 billion distribution pipeline, granting guaranteed access to significant water resources.

Representative Grijalva emphasized the urgency of the legislation amid ongoing climate challenges, urging Congress to expedite its passage.

Tribal leaders from the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe have expressed their appreciation for the legislation. “For decades, our Navajo people have lived without piped water in their homes,” said Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, noting that over 30% of homes in the Navajo Nation lack running water.

Nygren emphasized that this settlement would finally provide Navajo communities with essential and reliable water infrastructure. Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council, Crystalyne Curley, echoed these sentiments, stressing the ongoing vulnerabilities without proper water infrastructure.

Under the settlement, the Navajo Nation would gain access to both Upper and Lower Basin Colorado River water, as well as the capability to manage their water resources through long-term storage and inter-basin transfers.

The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe will receive water rights and formalize their reservation boundaries, which include 5,400 acres of land within the Navajo Nation. Robbin Preston Jr., President of the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, praised the legislation for its transformative potential.

Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma thanked all involved parties for their collaborative efforts. The settlement guarantees the Hopi Tribe specific water rights and the ability to manage their water resources efficiently.

This extensive and historic legislation is seen as a necessary stride toward securing a sustainable water future for these tribal communities, reaffirming their rights, and ensuring growth and prosperity.