One-third of homes on the Navajo Reservation lack running water, according to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. Some have underground cisterns that attach to an indoor sink, but the tanks must be frequently refilled. Navajo members say they often run out of water.
Nygren is working with Congress on two historic settlements to determine water allocations for homes. One settlement would give the tribe guaranteed water from the Little Colorado River Basin on the Arizona side; the other settlement would increase funding to bring San Juan River water on the New Mexico side of Navajo Nation.
Nygren believes the U.S. government’s demand for toxic uranium — found in nearby water wells — is a reason lawmakers need to pass the water settlements, and he’s hoping they get congressional approval before President Joe Biden leaves office.
“President Biden has always been very instrumental in Indian country, and hopefully he’s listening,” Nygren said. “Water is life. Nothing happens without water.”
Watch NBC Contributor Alyssa London’s report for NBC News NOW above.
