Tucson advances water rights settlement with Pascua Yaqui Tribe amid Colorado River drought

Tucson advances water rights settlement with Pascua Yaqui Tribe amid Colorado River droughtThe Tucson Mayor and Council have formally directed city leadership to negotiate amendments to an intergovernmental agreement with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, aiming to settle water rights and respond to drought conditions.

The council unanimously directed the city manager and city attorney to negotiate and execute amendments to the Pascua Yaqui Water Services Intergovernmental Agreement.

The amendments aim to facilitate the settlement of water rights between the tribe and the city within the Tucson Water service area.

The decision followed an executive session regarding water resource developments to alleviate drought in the lower Colorado River Basin.

Tucson is also closely monitoring federal negotiations on the Water Resources Development Act.

The City of Tucson is taking administrative steps to solidify regional water rights and respond to ongoing drought pressures. At an August 18, 2026, meeting, the Tucson Mayor and Council unanimously directed the city manager and city attorney to negotiate and execute necessary amendments to the Pascua Yaqui Water Services Intergovernmental Agreement. The approved motion aims to facilitate the formal settlement of water rights between the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the City of Tucson within the Tucson Water service area. The public vote immediately followed an executive session where council members discussed water resource developments specifically intended to alleviate drought conditions in the lower Colorado River Basin, as well as how those conditions impact potential amendments with the tribe. In a separate legislative update during the meeting, city staff noted that federal negotiations regarding the Water Resources Development Act are being closely monitored. Additionally, Tucson Water Director John Kameek is scheduled to present on the city's strategies for diversifying water resources at the upcoming League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference in Phoenix, highlighting the municipality's broader focus on long-term water security.