09/02/2026
Water levels in Lake Powell, one of the nation’s largest reservoirs, have hit their lowest point since the reservoir first began filling in 1963. Lake Powell is fed by the Colorado River, which supplies water to seven states, Tribal Nations, major cities, agriculture and ecosystems across the West. The river system has been strained by more than two decades of drought, climate change and overallocation.
Now, the federal government and the seven Colorado River Basin states are working to reduce water use and prevent catastrophic declines in reservoir levels. Lower Basin states have proposed major reductions and conservation measures, but experts warn that current commitments still fall short of what is needed to stabilize the system.
Despite holding significant water rights and relying deeply on Colorado River water, Tribal Nations were excluded from the river’s foundational agreements. That exclusion continues to shape water access and decision-making today. Across the basin, 30 Tribal Nations hold rights to Colorado River water, including some of the most senior rights, yet many Tribal communities still face barriers to fully using, protecting and managing those water resources.
Including Tribal Nations in planning the future of the Colorado River is essential to Tribal sovereignty and to ensuring Tribal communities, water and people are protected.
TNPI’s Indigenous Leadership Academy is working to ensure Tribal voices and leadership are represented. This fall, TNPI is launching a specialized cohort for Tribal citizens from Nations within the Colorado River Basin.
Addressing the problem goes beyond policy. This cohort is for:
• Water managers and technicians
• Water infrastructure builders
• Water stewards and protectors
• Law and policy advocates
• Academics and researchers
🚨 Applications close this Sunday, September 6. Learn more and apply at: tnpi.asu.edu/ila
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🔗 References and learn more:
(1) ILA launches new cohort for Tribal water sovereignty and the Colorado River Basin: https://law.asu.edu/newsroom/indigenous-leadership-academy-launches-cohort-tribal-water-sovereignty-and-colorado-river
(2) Colorado River water conservation efforts get only halfway to a solution: https://theconversation.com/colorado-river-water-conservation-efforts-get-only-halfway-to-a-solution-288758?utm_medium=article_clipboard_share&utm_source=theconversation.com
(3) What the new rules for a shrinking Colorado River mean for tribal nations: https://www.hcn.org/articles/what-the-new-rules-for-a-shrinking-colorado-river-mean-for-tribal-nations/
(4) World of Change: Water Level in Lake Powell: https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/world-of-change/lake-powell/
