A bill to settle the water rights of two Arizona tribe also benefits other fast-growing communities in the greater Phoenix area.

Phoenix and other cities are already making plans to use their additional allocation from the Central Arizona Project. The cities also plan to lease more water from the Gila River Indian Community.

In total, about 20 cities and water companies will see their water allocations increase. The Gila River Tribe and the Tohono O'odham Nation would control about 47 percent of the CAP's flow.

CAP is fed by the Colorado River. Other tribes have pending claims on the water.

Get the Story:
Water act eases growing pains (The Arizona Republic 11/19)
Water Rights Bill goes to Bush Settles tribal claims, lowers CAP costs (AP 11/19)

Get the Bill:
S.437

Related Stories:
Tribal water rights bill ready for Bush signature (11/18)
Senate passes Arizona tribal water rights deal (10/12)