Supporting Navajo Water Rights Through Public Advocacy

Ensuring Reliable Access to Clean Water For Navajo Nation

135K+

Navajo Residents Including Allotees

~26%

Without Reliable Access to Water

+27,000

Square Miles Across AZ, NM, & UT

For the Navajo people, water is more than just a resource ⎻ it's the lifeblood of our community and our future. Yet, for 30% of our residents, clean running water remains unreliable. Together, with dedication and transparency, we aim to change that.

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Who We Are

The Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission (NNWRC) supports the Navajo Department of Justice's Water Rights Unit and the Navajo Water Management Branch, combining expertise in law and hydrology. To date, the Nation has secured over 681,000 acre-feet of water, 300+ miles of pipeline, and $210 million for Utah-Navajo water projects.

meet the team

WHY THE

Commission Matters

Tribal Sovereignty

Every acre-foot of water we secure is a step towards a thriving, self-sufficient Navajo Nation.

Public Education

In a landscape of information technology and social media, we strive to keep our communities informed, including our elders.

Protecting Navajo Interests

Our duty is to ensure access to water and promote the health and the vitality of our culture.

HOW THE

Commission Works

Community Outreach

The Commissioners and support staff immerse themselves in community discussions, gathering crucial information and data about water needs.

Water Resource Planning

Information is assessed by the Navajo Nation Water Management Branch, in coordination with Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and Indian Health Service, to prioritize community water projects.

Advocacy & Negotiation

We support negotiations for maximum water allocation, ensuring a prosperous future for the Navajo Nation.

THE FUTURE AT STAKE

Successful negotiations open doors to a brighter, prosperous future. We envision adequate water supplies and infrastructure projects leading to sustainable growth and community development. Future uncertainties and risks that threaten our water rights include climate change, drought, and competing water claims. Failure to secure our rights could jeopardize not just water access, but the very essence of our communities' progress.

Navajo Water Rights Settlements

The lands of the Navajo Nation are located within the four sacred mountains, spanning across three states, with multiple water basins and sub-basins. The Nation has settled its claims in the San Juan River Basin Utah and San Juan River Basin New Mexico, both within the Upper Basin. The Nation is currently working to resolve water rights claims in Upper Basin Colorado River Arizona, Lower Basin Colorado River Mainstem, Little Colorado River Basin Arizona, Little Colorado River Basin New Mexico, which includes the Zuni River, and the Rio Grande Basin New Mexico. Navajo Nation lies within the Upper and Lower Colorado River Basins; therefore, it must abide by a collection of compacts, treaties, statutes, and other authorities referred to as the Law of the Colorado River, which governs water allocations and apportionments. The purpose of this website is to educate the public on the complexity of Tribal Rights, including its legislative and hydrological context.

Questions or Comments?

We Want Your Input!

Help us improve the educational resources that are offered on the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission website! What additional information would you like to see added to the site?

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Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 4251
Window Rock, AZ
86515

Contact Us

928-871-7574

928-871-6200

nn-wrc@navajo-nsn.gov