A recent COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress includes assistance for Navajo Nation water development in Utah, where more than 40% of Navajo homes lack running water or adequate sanitation. 

In Oljato, a community on the Arizona-Utah border, a single spigot serves about 900,000 homes.

But the COVID-19 relief bill included legislation that will secure Navajo water rights, including a portion of Utah’s Colorado River apportionment.

The bill included funds for water infrastructure, as well as health, education and transportation needs.