.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... A family uses a newly installed water access point in the Rock Springs Chapter of the Navajo Nation. The federal CARES Act has helped increase access to clean water on the reservation during the pandemic. (Courtesy of Navajo Nation COVID-19 Water Access Coordination Group) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The pandemic has exposed the inadequate water infrastructure and internet access in New Mexico’s tribal communities. But the public health crisis has also sparked an influx of federal funds and local projects to connect more residents to clean water and the internet. Improving water access A year ago, officials began imploring people to stay home and wash their hands frequently to prevent spreading the coronavirus.