Tribes press for role in post-2026 Colorado River management

Tribes across the West say future agreements governing the Colorado River must include tribal input and recognize tribes’ intent to develop their water rights, according to reporting by Nevada Current. Tribal leaders said they have worked with states to conserve water and help stabilize reservoirs such as Lakes Powell and Mead during recent droughts. Representatives from dozens of tribes raised those issues at the Colorado River Water Users Association conference in December.

Mike Natchees of the Ute Indian Tribe Business Committee told Nevada Current that tribes with senior water rights face ongoing challenges when water flows downstream without infrastructure or compensation. He said the impacts of potential water cuts on Upper Basin tribes have not been fully addressed. Western states have until Feb. 14 to reach a new water-sharing agreement before current rules expire at the end of 2026.

Tribal leaders cited recent conservation agreements and water-sharing partnerships as examples of tribes contributing to long-term river management, according to Nevada Current.