Tribal nations, Arizona and over 30 other stakeholders have just days to get a historic water rights settlement through Congress, and they’ll have to get past pushback from Upper Basin states, including Colorado, to do it. The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act would secure safe, reliable water for thousands of Navajo, Hopi and San Juan Southern Paiute tribal members in northeastern Arizona. … It would resolve water rights disputes, and potentially set up new funding streams for tribes. … But some Congressional representatives have balked at the price tag: $5 billion. … And Colorado River officials in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming have concerns about how the settlement would allow water from their basin to be used farther downstream. Congress is set to be adjourned by Friday, and federal lawmakers want to see a consensus from all seven Colorado River Basin states before voting. If that doesn’t happen, advocates would have to restart with a new mix of federal lawmakers next year.

Other Colorado River articles:

• PBS Newshour: Watch: Arizona farmers forced to adapt as main water source dries up
• WBUR (Boston): Listen: Colorado River negotiations stall: What’s next in the race to reach a deal?
• The Colorado Sun: Opinion: Having a healthy beaver population will help restore Colorado ecosystems and watersheds
• Arizona’s Family: Arizona explores importing billions of gallons of water to grow supply
• Texas Farm Bureau blog: De La Cruz requests aid for farmers affected by water treaty