An opinion piece by Joanna Allhands, published in the Arizona Republic on November 11, 2024, highlights how the recent elections could significantly impact Arizona’s water supply, even though water issues weren’t a focal point during the campaigns. The outcomes of the presidential and congressional races may influence key tribal water settlements and the rules governing Colorado River water allocation.

Key points from the article include:

• Pending Tribal Water Settlements: Two major settlements involving the Navajo, Hopi, and Yavapai Apache tribes await congressional approval. These settlements aim to resolve longstanding water disputes and provide certainty for future planning. However, with a $5 billion price tag for the Navajo/Hopi deal, there’s concern that a new GOP-led Congress might stall or cut funding, especially if spending reductions are prioritized.
• Colorado River Water Negotiations: The current rules for managing the Colorado River expire in 2026, and states are at an impasse on new agreements. The Bureau of Reclamation has delayed releasing crucial environmental analyses, deferring the responsibility to the next administration. If Donald Trump returns to office, uncertainty looms over who he might appoint to lead key federal agencies, potentially delaying negotiations further.

Allhands emphasizes that time is of the essence. Arizona faces increased uncertainty about its water future amid already limited supplies without clear federal guidance and timely approvals. Read the full opinion published by the Arizona Republic.

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