Tap Water Affordability in Arizona

Access to safe, reliable water is the foundation of public health and economic opportunity in Arizona, yet maintaining this infrastructure depends on complex revenue models. The Kyl Center for Water Policy recently released the report, Tap Water Affordability in Arizona, which assesses the rates of over 600 water providers across the state.

This webinar explains the report's key findings, offering a deep dive into how publicly-owned, Tribal, and private systems compare. The discussion highlights how Arizona communities can navigate the delicate balance between meeting essential revenue needs and ensuring water remains affordable for all residents.

• Watch the Recording: Access the full session on our YouTube Channel.
• Explore the Data: Download the complete report and other policy resources on our website.
  
   

Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement

The Verde River is a vital lifeline for Yavapai County and the Phoenix metropolitan area, yet the Yavapai-Apache Nation has spent over half a century fighting to secure its legal right to this water. In June 2024, the Nation reached a historic turning point by unanimously approving a comprehensive Water Rights Settlement Agreement. Once affirmed by Congress, this landmark deal will resolve decades of litigation and provide a framework for sustainable water management across the entire Verde Valley.   

This webinar explains the intricacies of the settlement through a virtual discussion with party representatives. The session explores the collaborative process required to reach this agreement and examines its long-term implications for the Nation and the broader Arizona community.

• Watch the Recording: View the full discussion on our YouTube Channel.
• Read the Explainer: Learn more about the history and impact of the agreement in our latest publication.
   

Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement

For over 60 years, the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe have been engaged in rigorous legal battles to secure their water rights in Arizona. In May 2024, a historic milestone was reached when these Tribes, along with the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and other parties, announced a landmark settlement. If affirmed by Congress, the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Agreement (NAIWRSA) will resolve decades of litigation and provide the necessary infrastructure and funding to bring "wet water" to thousands of residents who currently lack running water.

This webinar explains the complex negotiations behind the agreement and what it means for the future of water security in the region. The discussion features experts representing the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, the Arizona Governor’s Office, and the City of Flagstaff, highlighting the collaborative effort required to reach this historic turning point.

• Watch the Recording: View the virtual discussion on our YouTube Channel.
• Read the Explainer: Download our detailed NAIWRSA Explainer to learn more about the settlement's impact on Arizona's water future.

Arizona Tribal Water Rights: How did we get here?

April 2024

Arizona is home to twenty-two Native American Tribes, each with unique water rights shaped by a complex history of federal policies, treaties, and court decisions. To date, only eleven of these Tribes have fully settled or adjudicated their claims. Understanding this historical and legal landscape is essential for anyone looking to grasp the current status of water management and security in our state.

This webinar explains the intersection of Federal Indian Policy and Western water law. Led by Kyl Center Senior Research Fellow Cora Tso, JD, the discussion provides a comprehensive overview of how the prior appropriation doctrine and modern water allocation strategies impact the rights and interests of Arizona’s Tribes.

• Watch the Recording: View the presentation on our YouTube Channel.
• Deepen Your Knowledge: This session was co-sponsored by the Arizona Water Innovation Initiative and serves as a vital resource for understanding Tribal water sovereignty.

Ten Tenets of Water Equity 

April 2021

Water is the foundation of public health, economic opportunity and quality of life. While much of the conversation around water focuses on sustainable management and infrastructure investment, the issue of water equity—ensuring broad and fair access to safe, clean water for all members of a community—has recently come into sharper focus.   

This webinar explains the framework presented in the Kyl Center’s report, "Ten Tenets of Water Equity: Considerations for Community Water Systems." The discussion explores how community water systems can integrate equity into their operations, from infrastructure planning to affordability and decision-making.

• Watch the Recording: Access the virtual discussion on our YouTube Channel.
• Read the Report: Explore the Ten Tenets of Water Equity and learn how these considerations shape the future of community water systems.