In the arid southwest, water is the most important and precious natural resource. In some communities, groundwater is the primary source, and often sole source, of water for domestic, agricultural irrigation, industrial, and cultural uses. Consequently, management of groundwater resources is critical to sustain a clean and reliable groundwater supply for current and future generations. This article examines the options available for tribal groundwater management under the current legal framework.

Originally published in The Water Report, Issue #147 on May 15th, 2016.