Arizona Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, alongside a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers, have introduced the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act (NAIWRSA) of 2025, a significant piece of legislation aiming to resolve long-standing water rights issues in the state. According to an announcement from Senator Gallego's Office, the act is set to secure and fund clean water access for the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.
The proposed NAIWRSA will provide more than 56,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water to these Indigenous communities. Additionally, the legislation is coupled with a financial plan worth $5.1 billion to acquire, build, and maintain vital water development and delivery systems, such as a distribution pipeline. It is a momentous step toward rectifying the tribulations of access to potable water that have long afflicted these tribes. "For countless generations, Arizona’s tribes have been caretakers of the Colorado River. But for too long, water rights disputes have prevented them from having full certainty around their water future," Senator Gallego said in a statement made by his Office. "With this historic legislation, Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe will finally get the security and stability they deserve."
Joining in support, Senator Kelly acknowledged the landmark nature of the legislation. "This is a historic moment for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. After years of hard work and collaboration, we’re delivering a water settlement that secures reliable, clean water and strengthens Tribal sovereignty," he said, according to the Senator's Office.
In addition to the tribal presidents, local lawmakers have also shown their support. Representative Ciscomani stated, "This legislation ratifies the historic Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement to provide access to clean and reliable water to the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, and the Southern San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe," as per the Senator's Office.
