Half of Households on Native American Reservations Lack Access to Reliable Water Sources, Clean Drinking Water, or Adequate Sanitation – Native News Online

Legislative Initiative to Address Water Scarcity in U.S. Tribal Communities

A new legislative proposal, the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act, has been introduced by a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers to address critical water infrastructure deficits in Tribal communities. The bill aims to channel significant federal investment toward improving access to clean and reliable water, directly aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The proposed legislation is fundamentally an effort to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a primary focus on ensuring equitable access to basic services for Indigenous populations.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The core objective of the Act is to advance SDG 6, which calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By authorizing substantial funding for water infrastructure, the bill directly targets the significant disparity wherein an estimated 48 percent of households on tribal lands lack access to reliable water sources or safe sanitation. This initiative seeks to connect Native American households to the safe and sustainable water sources that are fundamental to human dignity and public health.

Broader SDG Impacts

The Act’s impact extends to several interconnected SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: By addressing a severe public health issue, the bill aims to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and improve overall community health.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The legislation directly confronts the stark inequality highlighted by data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which indicates Native American households are 19 times more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing.
• SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Lack of water access is a recognized barrier to economic development. The infrastructure projects supported by the bill are expected to foster local economies and improve living standards.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: Improved health and reduced time spent securing water can lead to better educational outcomes for children in these communities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Proponents frame the bill as a necessary step for the federal government to uphold its constitutional trust and treaty obligations to Tribal nations, thereby strengthening justice and institutional accountability.

The Water Access Disparity in Tribal Nations

The lack of access to clean drinking water remains a significant challenge for many Native American communities. This deficiency negatively impacts daily life, hindering progress in health, education, and economic stability. Reports, such as one commissioned by the Colorado River Water and Tribes Initiative, document systemic barriers within federal programs designed to address this problem and underscore the urgent need for reform and increased investment.

Provisions of the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act

The bill proposes a multi-agency approach to fund and support the construction, maintenance, and operation of water systems in Tribal communities. Key provisions include:

• Authorizing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide grants and loans for construction and technical assistance.
• Increasing funding for the USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program by $100 million annually for five years, with an additional $30 million per year dedicated to technical assistance.
• Boosting funding authorizations for Indian Health Service (IHS) water and sanitation programs over five years, allocating $2.5 billion for facilities construction, $150 million for technical assistance, and $500 million for operation and maintenance.
• Authorizing $90 million over five years for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Legislative Sponsors

The bill’s sponsors emphasized that access to clean water is a basic human right and a federal responsibility. Senator Bennet highlighted the legislation’s role in fulfilling the government’s promise to provide clean water, while Senator Heinrich described the current situation as “completely unacceptable.” Senator Hickenlooper called for cutting red tape to deliver modern resources, and Representative Neguse stated the bill takes “meaningful steps to close the gap.” Representative Moore noted the serious public health implications and the need to uphold trust obligations.

Tribal and Advocacy Group Endorsements

Support for the bill has been voiced by key Indigenous leaders. Manuel Heart, Chairman of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, stated that the bill’s recognition of technical and operational support is a critical step toward Tribal independence and governance. John Echohawk of the Native American Rights Fund described the lack of water access as a nationwide disparity and affirmed that the legislation will help fulfill the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibility to Native American Tribes.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • This is the central theme of the article. The “Tribal Access to Clean Water Act” is specifically designed to address the lack of “clean, safe water,” “clean drinking water,” and “sanitation services” in Tribal communities.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article explicitly highlights the severe disparity in water access, stating that “Native American households are 19 times more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing.” The legislation is a direct attempt to reduce this inequality affecting Indigenous peoples.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The text identifies the lack of clean water as a “serious public health issue” that “negatively impacts health,” directly linking water infrastructure to health outcomes.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article mentions that the bill aims to “uphold trust and treaty obligations under the Constitution” and fulfill the “federal government’s promise.” This relates to building more effective, accountable, and just institutions that serve all communities, particularly by addressing historical failures and treaty responsibilities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation):
   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The bill’s primary goal is to help communities “access clean, safe water” and connect households to “safe, sustainable water sources.”
   • Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all. The article notes that “48 percent of homes on tribal lands lack access to … sanitation services” and indoor plumbing, which this bill aims to rectify.
   • Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management. The bill provides technical and financial assistance directly to Tribal communities, and a tribal leader is quoted as saying it is “a critical step toward increasing Tribal independence and governance capabilities.”
2. Under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of race, ethnicity or other status. The legislation is specifically designed to close the gap for Native American tribes who have been “left without the infrastructure” available to other communities.
3. Under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being):
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from … water … pollution and contamination. By providing access to clean water, the bill directly addresses a root cause of waterborne illness, which is described as a “serious public health issue.”
4. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The bill seeks to reform and fund federal programs (at USDA, IHS, Bureau of Reclamation) to make them more effective and responsive in fulfilling the government’s “trust and treaty obligations” to Tribes.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Quantitative Baseline Indicators:
   • The article provides a clear baseline for measuring progress: “An estimated 48 percent of homes on tribal lands lack access to clean drinking water or sanitation services.” A reduction in this percentage would be a direct indicator of success.
   • The disparity is quantified: “Native American households are 19 times more likely than white households to lack indoor plumbing.” Progress can be measured by a reduction in this ratio.
2. Financial Input Indicators:
   • The bill specifies exact funding amounts that can be tracked as indicators of commitment and implementation. These include:
     • $100 million per year for five years for USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program.
     • $2.5 billion over five years for Indian Health Service water and sanitation facilities construction.
     • $500 million over five years for operation and maintenance assistance.
     • $150 million over five years for IHS technical assistance.
     • $90 million over five years for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Technical Assistance Program.
3. Qualitative Impact Indicators:
   • The article implies that progress could be measured by improvements in “health, education, economic development, and other aspects of daily life” that are currently negatively impacted by the lack of water access.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nativenewsonline.net