Seven states that rely on the Colorado River each got a cut of its water under a deal struck over a century ago – a deal that excluded the Hopi, the Navajo and other tribal nations. After years of pressure and negotiation, Congress is moving to rectify what the tribes have long seen as an injustice that has caused enormous hardship. … Representatives from four Arizona tribes – the Yavapai-Apache Nation, Hopi, San Juan Southern Paiute and the Navajo Nation – said the settlements, once approved by Congress, will secure their long-standing claims and provide more accessible water for their people. Almost a third of members of the Hopi, Navajo and other tribes have no running water, and leaders say the water currently available isn’t sufficient for growing populations.

Related tribal water articles:

• AZ Mirror: Gila River Indian Community receives $107 million for Colorado River conservation projects
• The Colorado Sun: Colorado’s U.S. senators introduce one of the most ambitious public lands bills in decades
• Rocky Mountain PBS: The Ute water legacy