Arizona congressional delegation introduces $5 billion tribal water rights legislation

Members of Arizona’s congressional delegation introduced legislation Monday that would authorize a water rights settlement with three Native American tribes in the Southwest, providing more certainty for the arid region.

Water-rich Gila River tribe near Phoenix flexes its political muscles in a drying West

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community is becoming one of the major power players in the distribution of water rights across the Colorado River basin.

Tribes say their future is at stake as they push for Congress to consider Colorado River settlement

Navajo President Buu Nygren signed legislation outlining a proposed water rights settlement that will ensure supplies from the Colorado River and other sources for three Native American tribes — as well as more security for drought-stricken Arizona.

Navajo Nation approves proposed settlement to secure Colorado River water

The Navajo Nation Council has signed off on a proposed water rights settlement that carries a price tag larger than any such agreement enacted by Congress would ensure water for two other Native American tribes in a state that has been forced to cut back on water use.

Proposed settlement is first step in securing Colorado River water for 3 Native American tribes

A proposed water rights settlement for three Native American tribes that carries a price tag larger than any such agreement enacted by Congress took a significant step forward with introduction in the Navajo Nation Council.

Arizona's drought: Breaking down the numbers
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Arizona's ongoing drought means a higher risk of wildfires. But, at least we're in better shape now than before. FOX 10 Meteorologist Krystal Ortiz has new numbers on our drought.

Glen Canyon Dam plumbing problems bring new threat to Colorado River system

Plumbing problems at the dam holding back the second-largest reservoir in the U.S. are spurring concerns about future water delivery issues to Southwestern states supplied by the Colorado River.

Wet winter means SRP reservoirs are mostly full

At around this time in 2023, we were reporting on flooded streets in the Phoenix area, because water needed to be released from lakes that were, in some cases, overcapacity. This year, however, the story is slightly different.

A Saudi business is leaving Arizona valley after it was targeted by the state over groundwater use

The Arizona governor’s office said the State Land Department decided not to renew the leases the company had in Butler Valley due to the "excessive amounts of water being pumped from the land — free of charge."

Arizona, other states in Colorado River basin pitch new ways to absorb shortages

The seven U.S. states that draw water from the Colorado River basin are suggesting new ways to determine how the increasingly scarce resource is divvied up when the river can’t provide what it historically promised.

Water levels rising at Lake Mead
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The Bureau of Reclamation reports levels rose more than four feet from December to January at Lake Mead, and they are up about three more feet this month.

SRP officials conduct snowpack survey after winter storm

A winter storm that recently moved through Arizona has provided some much-needed snow to parts of the Arizona high country, and officials with SRP are measuring snowpacks in order to get a clearer picture of the snowpack level in some areas that can impact Phoenix's water supply.

Long-term water solution passed for Rio Verde
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The Arizona Corporation Commission greenlighted a long-term solution to ensure Rio Verde residents don't lose access to water again.

Rio Verde water: Commission to consider long-term fix
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State lawmakers passed a law to temporarily restore water to Rio Verde residents through 2025 after the city of Scottsdale cut off the community from its water supply earlier this year.

Tensions are bubbling up at thirsty Arizona alfalfa farms as foreign firms exploit unregulated water

La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin welcomes a recent crackdown by Arizona officials on unfettered groundwater pumping long allowed in rural areas, noting local concerns about dried up wells and subsidence that’s created ground fissures and flooding during heavy rains.

Federal officials say plan for water cuts from Arizona, 2 other states is enough to protect Colorado River

Federal officials said Wednesday that conditions have improved on the Colorado River to the point that a plan by California, Arizona and Nevada to voluntarily reduce water use should help keep the river basin on stable footing for the next few years.

Water to begin flowing again in the Rio Verde Foothills: 'A big day'

The long-running saga of the Rio Verde Foothills' fight for water is about to end. The community became a warning sign for desert living as it struggled to find a reliable and affordable water supply for the past year.