📢 The LeChee Water Improvement Project Breaks Ground, Exciting News for Western Navajo and the LeChee Community! Clean Water and Economic Growth Are Coming to Western Navajo. 📢
ETD, Inc. is proud to celebrate the launch of the LeChee Water System Improvements Project — a $43 million infrastructure initiative that will bring safe, reliable tap water to the LeChee Chapter and the Antelope Canyon Economic Development Corridor. This major milestone for Western Navajo was recently featured in the Navajo Times by journalist Krista Allen.
The Largest Water Project in the Region
As the largest project under the Western Navajo Pipeline Phase I, the LeChee Water System is a critical step toward securing long-term water access. Once completed, it will serve thousands of homes and businesses, while also preparing the region for future growth.
At a recent water blessing and groundbreaking ceremony near Antelope Point, community leaders honored the sacred nature of the project.
“This is not a secret — it’s sacred. And therefore, we give true reverence in that aspect of it.” – Earl Tully, Chinle Agency Commissioner for the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission
A Pipeline Drawing from the Colorado River
The system will draw water directly from the Colorado River (Bits’ĂĂs NinĂ©Ă©zi) through the Lake Powell Intake Facility. From there, it will supply clean water to the LeChee area for municipal, commercial, and industrial use.
Importantly, this infrastructure is designed to support both current and future demand. As a result, it will boost public health and enable economic development across the region.
Historically, the Navajo Nation was kept at a distance from Lake Powell — both physically and politically. In fact, access was often limited to 100 feet back from the shoreline, regardless of lake levels. However, this project marks a turning point. For the first time, the Nation will draw water directly from the river for its own communities.
ETD, Inc.’s Role in Advancing the Project
As a 100% Navajo-owned environmental consulting firm, ETD, Inc. is honored to support this important effort. We partnered with Brown and Caldwell, along with trusted subcontractors JE Fuller and M. Burke Consulting.
Our team conducted the following environmental services:
- Environmental Assessments
- Cultural Resource Inventories
- Biological Evaluations
These deliverables ensured full compliance with NEPA and Navajo Nation environmental regulations, allowing the project to move forward responsibly.
A Legacy of Sustainable Development
“For over 30 years, ETD has promoted sustainable development within the Navajo Nation. This project is about more than clean water — it’s about honoring promises, creating opportunities, and investing in the future of our people. We’re proud to be part of this transformative journey.” – Eunice Tso, Founder of ETD, Inc.
Information and quotes originally reported by Krista Allen in the Navajo Times.
Learn more about ETD’s Environmental Compliance Services!
Read more from the Navajo Times:
https://navajotimes.com/reznews/43-million-water-project-to-bring-clean-tap-access-to-western-navajo/
