Friday, Feb 8 2013 3:13PM

Cold temperatures have busted water pipelines across Navajo Nation, leaving many members without water.

Severe cold temperatures in the Southwestern region have rendered thousands of tribal members belonging to Navajo Nation without access to water system services, according to Reuters.

Temperatures dipped below 25 degrees in many areas of the Southwest, resulting in shattered water pipes across the Native American reservation that spans Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. As a result, Navajo officials estimate that roughly 10,000 members may lack access to drinking water, the news source reports. Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly said the public health emergency may put thousands of lives at risk.

"People with health risks don't have running water, some communities have low water pressure that are putting health centers and hospitals at risk of closure," Shelley told Reuters.

He noted that the frigid temperatures caused many of the pipes to burst, and is requesting $2.8 million in federal and state assistance to repair the pipes and operate an emergency water center, reports the news source. Although Arizona State Forestry Division sent two 3,000-gallon potable water tanks to the Native American tribe, members with underlying health conditions may face significant consequences if access to drinking water remains scarce.

Water scarcity may remain an issue as the year continues and the weather heats up, with officials predicting that drought is likely. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already declared a state of emergency in several U.S. states that are faced drought-like conditions as the new year arrived.

For more information, check out this resource: Reuters