LECHEE, Ariz. — On Thursday, April 16, Navajo Nation President Nygren received an on-site update on the LeChee Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and Water System Improvement Project, a major infrastructure investment under Phase I of the Western Navajo Pipeline aimed at delivering a reliable, long-term water supply to the LeChee Chapter and surrounding areas.
During the site visit, President Nygren met with project partners, engineers, and field staff to review construction progress and key milestones, alongside LeChee Chapter officials and Navajo Nation Council Delegate Helena Nez-Begay, who shared their excitement as the long-anticipated project continues moving forward.
The project is designed to provide municipal, commercial, and industrial water sourced from Lake Powell, supporting both community needs and future economic development.
Construction is actively underway across multiple components. The water treatment plant site is largely established, pipeline installation is mostly complete, and major civil work—including highway crossings and structural foundations—has been completed or is nearing completion. Remaining work includes pump station construction and intake facility upgrades.
Key features of the project include a 1 million gallon per day membrane treatment facility, a 500,000-gallon raw water reservoir, a 320,000-gallon finished water reservoir, more than 31,000 feet of pipeline, and a 600 GPM booster pump station.
President Nygren emphasized the importance of expanding water capacity to support long-term growth and opportunity in the region.
“This is real progress for LeChee and the surrounding area,” said President Nygren. “Many families here still haul water, so increasing capacity is critical—not only for daily needs, but to support economic development. Access to reliable water is essential for our communities, and projects like this move us forward.”
The LeChee Water System Improvement Project stands as one of the largest infrastructure efforts in the Western Navajo Nation, reinforcing a long-term commitment to water security, community development, and sustainability for generations to come.
