Navajo Nation's Water Rights Denied by Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court ruled that the federal government is not obligated to provide water infrastructure to the Navajo Nation beyond what is required by the 1868 treaty. While the decision was disappointing for the Navajo Nation, it reaffirmed the tribe's water rights and left open the possibility for negotiations and congressional action to address modern water needs and infrastructure. An estimated 30% to 40% of Navajo residents lack access to clean running water.