Tribal Utility News from WaterOperator.org

Newsletter #91 for August 2021

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Tribal Nations are Essential to Infrastructure Plan, says Native American Legal Scholar

In an op-ed for Indian Country Today, Navajo attorney Hilary C. Tompkins shares why i ndigenous knowledge should be at the forefront of the new infrastructure plan.

"Tribal nations know something about rebuilding and the need for justice. There are 574 federally-recognized Indian tribes that govern their territories, manage their resources, and provide services for their citizens, despite facing incredible odds."

Tompkins suggests that the lessons of Indigenous persons are critical to creating sustainable systems and inclusive practices. She includes a recommendation that the plan could think outside the box by "building tribal drinking water supply systems with baseline recognition of tribal water rights essential for basic human needs."

In addition to funding under discussion in the sprawling infrastructure package, two senators recently introduced a bill that defines this right and would provide $6.7 billion for water projects.

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Megadrought Impacts Water Supplies

As scientists begin to talk of the megadrought as a sign of climate-induced aridification, water supply managers across the west face tough decisions.

Drought has been a constant issue for the Navajo Nation, especially the southwestern portion of the reservation, over the last fourteen years. The issue has become so severe that the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority had to cut off water allocations to several chapters across the community.

The city of Polson, MT is also seeing the effects of drought and recently declared a water emergency after receiving increased demand and not having enough supply. Water has since been reconnected but the city is still asking residents to conserve water. Other dramatic signs of drought are also being seen along the Klamath River Basin.

There is hope that the new infrastructure plan can help provide funding for innovative solutions, but today is about using what you have. This list of ten ways to prepare for a drought-related shortage, from our partners at RCAP, offers a practical starting point.

Many of our readers are in a "been there, done that" situation, especially those who have coped with drought mitigation for decades. The resource is especially helpful for those who are facing mild drought impacts for the first time or are working toward being climate-ready.

Zoel Zohnnie: A Water Warrior

Zoel Zohnnie took matters into his own hands during the pandemic and started a foundation called Water Warriors United to help deliver water to the 30 percent of Navajo people who do not have access to running water. The organization has been able to deliver 250,000 gallons of water to over 20 communities.

Featured Resource

20 Years of Protecting Public Health on Tribal Lands: EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Grants

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

This 2-page fact sheet summarizes the 20 years of funding history of the EPA's Tribal Set-Aside program. The document includes information on case studies used by the program and fiscal fund trends.

Have a different question?
You can find thousands of helpful resources in our database.

Search the Document Database

Events for Tribal Water Systems

Please Note: In response to the ongoing pandemic, we strive to list only free, online training courses and webinars.

Tribal Utility Management

August 26, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. CDT

Hosted by Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc.

This course trains qualified Level 1 certified operators in Level 2 Water Treatment (WT 2) facility operations. All course work is designed around the processes that will be required of a Level 2 drinking water treatment facility operator. This course has significant content and advanced concepts requiring students to study outside the classroom.

Learn more and register.

Want to find additional training opportunities for operators,
including events in your area?

Search the Training Calendar

Featured Podcast

Creative Water Solutions

Native America Calling

This podcast discusses the continued struggle that native people face in accessing clean drinking water. It also talks about the benefits that new infrastructure investments could have.

In the News

Yurok Tribe Warns of Drinking Water Issues
The Yurok Tribe released a boil water advisory for the foreseeable future due to violations of the California State Drinking Water Act within their water storage tank.

Legislation for Western Navajo Water Pipeline Moves to Navajo President for Final Approval
The Navajo Nation Council unanimously approved legislation to fully fund the first phase of the Western Navajo Pipeline Project.

A Young Water Advocate Paddles to Protect the Future of the Great Lakes
A young water protector named Waasekom is paddling across the great lakes to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on the lakes that hold 20 percent of the world's freshwater.

Monsoon Rains Bring Floodwaters to Moenkopi
Moenkopi residents are experiencing floodwaters and monsoonal thunderstorms like they have never seen before.

On Native American Reservations, the Push for More Clean Water and Sanitation
This article discusses the continued struggle that tribes across America experience just to gain access to clean water and basic sanitation.

Canada Reaches C$8bn Clean Water Deal With First Nations After Decades-Long Battle
The Canadian federal government reached a settlement with First Nations people after two class-action lawsuits that will finally provide them with the clean drinking water they deserve.

U.S. Representative Stanton Continues to Deliver Water Resources for Arizona
Representative Greg Stanton helped push for two new water infrastructure projects in Arizona to be included in House’s FY2022 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill.

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