Historic Tribal Investment in Cadiz Groundwater Banking Project Set to Transform Water Infrastructure in the Mojave Desert

Lytton Rancheria’s Landmark Investment in Water Infrastructure

In an unprecedented move, the Lytton Rancheria of California has committed to investing up to $50 million in Cadiz, Inc.'s groundwater banking project in the Mojave Desert. This bold step not only heralds the largest investment by a Native American Tribe in water infrastructure outside of tribal lands in U.S. history but also underscores the growing role of Indigenous communities in resource management.

Unveiling the Mojave Groundwater Bank

The Mojave Groundwater Bank seeks to address the ongoing water crisis by tapping into an estimated 30 million acre-feet of existing water storage, with plans for an additional supply of 2.5 million acre-feet. Situated within a 2,000 square mile watershed system, this project is poised to become the Southwest's largest groundwater bank. Cadiz's vision involves over 300 miles of pipelines that will interconnect with California's elaborate water transportation network, thereby providing a sustainable clean water supply to underserved, disadvantaged, and tribal communities.

Empowering Indigenous Communities

This strategic partnership emphasizes the critical need for Indigenous leadership in water management. With the majority ownership stake held by tribes, the Lytton Rancheria aims to ensure that local communities benefit from this essential resource. Tribal Chairperson, Andy Mejia, articulated the tribe's commitment to environmental stewardship, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts among various tribal governments and responsible investors. He stated, "With Tribal involvement in the direction and operation of this project, we can ensure that all people have a chance to benefit from this critical water resource."

Addressing California's Water Crisis

Water scarcity is an increasing challenge in California and the Southwest, where access to clean water is becoming more critical as climate change intensifies. Susan Kennedy, CEO of Cadiz, echoed Mejia’s sentiments, highlighting the essential role of this partnership in providing clean water. "Access to clean water will be the single greatest challenge many communities face in the coming decades," she noted, proudly acknowledging the collaboration with Lytton in this vital initiative.

Construction Timeline and Future Outlook

Construction of the Mojave Groundwater Bank is set to commence in 2025, with initial water deliveries expected as early as 2026. This development not only reflects a robust investment in infrastructure but also a commitment to environmental sustainability and social equity.
Cadiz, Inc. leverages its strategic resources to foster water security, recognizing the importance of this project for both current and future generations. Situated on 45,000 acres of land in California, the company manages vast water assets, including the innovative filtration technologies required to treat and transport water effectively. As this partnership unfolds, it stands at the forefront of a transformative era in water management, championing the needs of those most affected by scarcity.
As this historic investment materializes, it signals hope for enhanced water access for communities that desperately need it. The collaboration between Cadiz and the Lytton Rancheria symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to resource management, offering a blueprint for future tribal involvement in large-scale environmental projects.