Making Arizona Articles

A new plan would conserve at least 3 million acre-feet of water by 2026 in an effort to ensure the crucial waterway continues to generate power and provide drinking water.

This week's deal on how to share the Colorado River's water relies heavily on cuts to the agricultural sector, which is responsible for 80% of the region's water use. "Water is a valuable asset, and I think people are nervous about parting with it, because it kind of suggests that you don’t really need it after all," said University of Arizona extension specialist George Frisvold, earlier this week. "I think there's real concern that this is voluntary now, but it could come back and bite you."

This week — after months of tense negotiations and a couple of blown deadlines — Arizona, California, and Nevada agreed to massively cut their use of Colorado River water for agriculture in order to sustain cities. However, that deal will face renegotiation in 2026 and those talks could look a lot different from the Colorado River Compact negotiations of 100 years ago, with Tribal nations playing a more meaningful role. "What I think is important is that we create political arenas where tribes have equal voice with states," said said Andrew Curley an assistant professor of geography and development and American Indian studies at the University of Arizona. "My only fear is — and I think this is the fear of many tribal leaders — is that there’s going to be less water to negotiate with."

The Biden administration has temporarily resolved a dire water crisis – with help from a wet winter. A new plan would conserve at least 3 million acre-feet of water by 2026 in an effort to ensure the crucial waterway continues to generate power and provide drinking water. Once analyzed and officially approved by the Bureau of Reclamation, which operates the dams on Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the new agreement would be in place through 2026. "This is a big deal," said Robert Glennon, a professor emeritus at the University of Arizona who specializes in water law and policy. He added the problems states faced were "truly historic and potentially catastrophic if either Lake Powell or Lake Mead hit dead pool."

Some Indigenous farmers are trying to bring traditional food back to their communities. Michael Kotutwa Johnson, a farmer from the Hopi Tribe, is focusing on bringing Hopi corn back to the dining table – not only for the health benefits but also to connect his people to their culture. Johnson, who also is a faculty member at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment, refers to corn as “our mother.”