Tribes take a greater role in managing the Colorado River, still seek water rights

An alfalfa crop is flood irrigated at the Colorado River Indian Tribes Farms in Parker on Dec. 10, 2021.

LAS VEGAS — Tribes from across the Colorado River basin came to Las Vegas this week looking for a more significant role in managing water supplies amid an ongoing drought, while still fighting for rights to the water they need to sustain their communities.

Tribal leaders joined other water officials, experts and advocates at the annual gathering of the Colorado River Water Users Association. The tribes' growing clout was evident in the latest plan to stretch the river's flow in Arizona, Nevada and California, but leaders said they wanted to remain a vital voice on the 246,000 square-mile watershed.