The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Coachella Valley Water District and Desert Water Agency have agreed to settle two long running water rights lawsuits, which the three parties said in a news release will "enhance certainty and stability over the future of water management and increases supply reliability for Coachella Valley residents."

The tribe's historic water rights are affirmed in the agreement, placing them at the head of the line for water from a vast aquifer stretching under much of the Coachella Valley, but they agreed to share it in times of drought or water restrictions. Congress must approve the proposed settlement, and the tribe and the agencies will also ask for $500 million in federal funds and $15 million in state funds under new legislation.

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