There are 22 federally recognized tribes in the state of Arizona. Of those tribes, 14 have either fully resolved, adjudicated rights or partially resolved water rights claims and four have settlement agreements pending in Congress. CAP water is a significant component of the overall water budget for a number of those tribes. Not including tribes with pending settlements, six Arizona tribes have outstanding water rights claims. Consistent with the provisions of the 2004 Arizona Water Settlements Act, approximately 46 percent of the CAP water supply is, or will be, permanently allocated to Arizona Indian Tribes. CAP delivers more tribal water than any other organization in the U.S.

As more tribes begin to take CAP and Colorado River water, the need to understand one another’s operations will continue to grow. To meet this changing demand, CAWCD is proactively working with tribes and their communities to understand the different needs of each tribe and the unique challenges and opportunities impacting each tribe. CAP was constructed through a collaborative process, and CAWCD believes continued collaboration with the tribes is essential for moving all Arizona communities forward.