Arizona Tribal leaders urge Washington to strengthen water rights amid megadrought

Two Arizona Tribal leaders asked lawmakers in Washington to approve a pair of bills that would strengthen Tribal water rights . . .

California’s drought prompts varying water restrictions

A Cal Matters article discussed California’s drought and the uneven effects it has on water restrictions. A patchwork of state, county and local restrictions reflect the de-centralized nature of water management in the state.

Researchers find that wildfires contaminate water systems

The Conversation published a new report that links California wildfires to contaminated drinking water in small water systems. Last year, the report’s authors found that at least seven water systems were contaminated.

Climate change endangers Hopi corn yields

Climate change is having a devastating effect on Tribal agriculture in the American Southwest. The Hopi Tribe uses corn as both a dietary and cultural staple, using it in everything from nutrition to birthing ceremonies. The Hopi rely on summer monsoons to nourish their crops but last year exceptionally poor rainfall devastated crop yields.

High drought prompts New Mexico to supplement Pecos River with reservoir water

The Albuquerque Journal reported that exceptional drought conditions in New Mexico’s Pecos River have prompted the state to pump water from its reservoirs into the river to replenish its supply.