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About The Water Desk
The Water Desk is an independent, nonprofit journalism initiative with three priorities:
Stories and reports
Restoration, infrastructure and the economic value of rivers – Water Buffs Podcast ep. 4...
We discuss a recent American Rivers report that examines the economic value of rivers and our nation’s crumbling water infrastructure. The report calls on Congress to invest $500 billion over 10 years in water infrastructure and river restoration.
Water released from Elkhead Reservoir lifts call on Yampa River
The second-ever call on the Yampa River was lifted after water providers announced an Elkhead Reservoir water release to support irrigators and endangered fish.
Pitkin County launches project to restore ancient wetland at North Star Preserve near Aspen
A fen-restoration project aims to enhance the wetland’s ability to provide habitat, store and filter groundwater, and sequester carbon.
Water Desk news and grant announcements
Deadline approaching: apply for water journalism grants
The Water Desk is now accepting applications for grants to support coverage of Western water issues and the Colorado River Basin.
Announcing grantees for The Water Desk’s California Media Project
The Water Desk has made $75,000 in grants to journalists and media outlets covering California water issues.
Special Series: Crisis on the Colorado
The Water Desk is pleased to republish this outstanding five-part series by Jim Robbins and Ted Wood for Yale Environment 360.
Crisis on the Colorado Part I: The West’s Great River Hits Its Limits– Will...
As the Southwest faces rapid growth and unrelenting drought, the Colorado River is in crisis, with too many demands on its diminishing flow. Now those who depend on the river must confront the hard reality that their supply of Colorado water may be cut off.
Crisis on the Colorado Part II: On a Water-Starved River, Drought Is the New...
With the Southwest locked in a 19-year drought and climate change making the region increasingly drier, water managers and users along the Colorado River are facing a troubling question: Are we in a new, more arid era when there will never be enough water?
Crisis on the Colorado Part III: Running Dry– New Strategies for Conserving Water
Communities along the Colorado River are facing a new era of drought and water shortages that is threatening their future. With an official water emergency declaration now possible, farmers, ranchers, and towns are searching for ways to use less water and survive.
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Resources
We’ve collected a series of resources that help explain the complex and sometimes contentious world of water issues.
Background readings on Western water
Here are some helpful online resources for learning more about the Colorado River Basin and Western water issues.
Glossaries
It’s hard to understand water issues unless you know the lingo. Here are some helpful water-related glossaries on the web:
Water books
Want to go deep and really learn about water issues? Here's a list of great nonfiction books...
Media and journalism
On this page you'll find a guide to water media, a Twitter list for Western water and examples of great water journalism.