As Lake Mead Reaches Lowest Level Ever, Jonathan Nez Rips Rep. Crane, Trump Admin. Over Inaction

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - This weekend, Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, reached its lowest level ever, now sitting at 26% capacity. Across Arizona and the Southwest, drought is reshaping communities and forcing families, farmers, tribes, and local leaders to confront a future in which every drop matters.

At a moment this serious, Arizona cannot afford leaders who look the other way. Congressman Eli Crane has failed that test.

“The drought facing the Southwest is threatening our farms, our rural towns and cities, and our way of life. But Congressman Eli Crane has repeatedly sent our tax dollars to California instead of bringing water infrastructure to rural Arizona that could help our communities,” said Nez. “Drought demands responsible, knowledgeable leadership that understands that when water levels fall, communities cannot afford Crane’s complacency. Rural Arizona needs a member of Congress who will fight for real solutions, upgrade water infrastructure, and protect the water our families, farms, and communities depend on.”

Expert projections show Lake Mead’s water levels are expected to decline even more over the next two years. Lake Mead supplies water to millions of people across Arizona, California, and Nevada.

For Jonathan Nez, the water crisis is not theoretical. He has already led his communities through it.

As Navajo Nation President and Vice President, Nez was forced to confront severe drought. He met the challenge head-on and fought for results.

He worked with both Democrats and Republicans to secure federal funding for water infrastructure.

Nez worked with Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox to reach a federal reserved water rights settlement agreement protecting the Navajo Nation’s water rights. He also worked with the Trump administration to expand access to clean water in Northern Arizona, including communities outside tribal lands.

By contrast, Congressman Crane has consistently failed to bring federal resources to Arizona communities needed for critical water projects, and has sent taxpayer money to other states.

Congressman Crane has also voted for massive tax breaks for data centers that consume enormous amounts of water. And after previously doing business with a major data center developer, Crane took $40,000 from donors with financial interests in the data industry.

Arizona does not have the luxury of treating water as a political talking point. The water crisis will take leadership that understands the urgency, knows how to bring leaders together, and is willing to fight for federal investments. Arizona needs a leader who will fight for every last drop.

SEE ALSO:

• U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: Interior Department Finalizes Plans for 2027-2028 Colorado River Operations (8/21/26)
  

• Arizona Silver Belt: Water Policy Realities: A Conversation with Former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (8/6/26)
  

• Salt Lake Tribune: Water agreement resolves Utah’s long-standing dispute over Navajo Nation’s rights to the Colorado (5/27/22)