8/25/2009 11:55:00 AM Navajo County addresses water shortage
Supervisor Jesse Thompson (left) met with Navajo Nation Council Delegate Elmer Begay (right) and other stakeholders at a meeting about the water shortage issues on southwestern Navajo land in Winslow on Aug. 13.
Submitted by Laurie Stradling
WINSLOW, Ariz. - In a concerted effort to resolve the ongoing water shortage on the southwestern Navajo Nation, Navajo County Supervisor Jesse Thompson brought together a broad range of stakeholders to discuss what steps can and should be taken to provide residents with desperately needed water on Aug. 13.
Thompson met with Navajo Nation Council Delegate Elmer Begay, Chapter officials from Dilkon and Teesto, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) and Bureau of Reclamation personnel and County staff. They were joined by County Assessor Cammy Darris, Supervisor J.R. DeSpain, Judge Alison Kolomitz and Winslow Mayor Robin Boyd.
"Everyone at this table understands how serious this issue is," Supervisor Thompson said. "The County helped assist when Sheriff Clark and County staff contacted the Holbrook Safeway and delivered 5,400 gallons of water to Dilkon, Teesto, Jeddito and Whitecone. Those communities truly appreciated their help and support during this water shortage crisis. But what are the next steps?"
Tony Nez from NTUA, was asked to give a summary of the events that led to the Dilkon area water shortage. Nez explained that the drought condition has been compounded by local residents using their potable water for livestock. Nez said since the NTUA is a private entity only responsible for supplying potable water to its own customers, livestock water supply is the responsibility of the Navajo Nation Technical, Construction and Operations Branch of the Department of Water Resources.
In response, Najam Tariq, manager of the Technical, Construction and Operations Branch, expressed his recommendations for short- and long-term solutions. Though his department was limited in resources and funding, Tariq said they would do their best. He recommended that his department be involved in all the planning, construction and repair of wells in the area.
Kevin Black, a representative from the Bureau of Reclamation said they have been investigating the potential development of brackish groundwater in some of the area chapters to meet current and future livestock and rural potable water demands. The Bureau is also researching autonomous solar/wind desalination package treatment systems for brackish water wells and plan to meet on regional water issues and solutions in September.
"We sincerely appreciate the involvement of the County and the Nation in these issues," said Council Delegate Begay. "Your dedication to finding solutions to this problem is heartening."
Supervisor Thompson also thanked those in attendance. "We are thankful for all of you who attended and contributed to this meeting," Supervisor Thompson said. "We hope to see sustainable water sources in our communities on Navajo, and soon."
