Interior Dept. Raises Rates for Native American Water Systems
Published Date: 3/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is updating the fees for irrigation projects on Indian reservations to cover costs like upkeep and repairs. These changes affect landowners using these irrigation systems and will take effect in 2027. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until May 22, 2026, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Irrigation Rates Changing for 2027
The Bureau of Indian Affairs proposes new irrigation assessment rates that will take effect for calendar year (CY) 2027 and will apply to people who own or lease land inside an irrigation project’s assessable acreage or who have a carriage agreement. If you want to comment on the proposed changes, you must submit written comments on or before May 22, 2026.
Flathead Project Per-Acre and Minimum Charge Increases
For the Flathead Irrigation Project in Montana, the BIA proposes increases for CY2027: Basic per acre–A rises from $39.00 to $46.00, Basic per acre–B rises from $19.50 to $23.00, and the Minimum Charge per tract rises from $200.00 to $220.00. The notice also proposes changing the parcel-size threshold for the minimum charge from 4.54 acres (2026) to 4.78 acres (starting in 2027).
San Carlos Joint Works Rate Cut and Construction Water Fees
For the San Carlos Irrigation Project in Arizona, the BIA proposes lowering the Joint Works component from $28.00 per acre (2026) to $24.00 per acre (2027). The notice also lists a proposed Construction Water Rate Schedule with fees such as a $300 administrative fee, a $250 per month usage fee for off‑project gravity construction water, $100 per acre-foot for on‑project pump water, and an excess-water charge of $5.00 per 1,000 gallons for use above 50,000 gallons in any one month.
Late-Payment Penalties, Fees, and Collections
If your irrigation bill is past due, interest will accrue from the past-due date at the Treasury-established rate, bills more than 90 days past due may be assessed a penalty of up to 6% per year, each collection attempt carries an administrative fee of $12.50, and bills 120 days past due will be transferred to the U.S. Treasury for further action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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