The Water Desk’s mission is to increase the volume, depth and impact of journalism connected to Western water issues.
Based in Boulder at the University of Colorado and its Center for Environmental Journalism, The Water Desk works with journalists and news media to strengthen their water-related coverage and expand its impact. This collaborative enterprise also produces original content, helps train the next generation of water journalists, engages with the community and pursues innovative approaches to storytelling.
The Water Desk strengthens water journalism in a variety of ways, including:
- Support for journalists: Through our network, The Water Desk provides funding, training and other resources to journalists and media outlets that cover Western water issues.
- Original content: The Water Desk produces its own journalism and offers free multimedia content, data visualizations and background resources.
- Education and community engagement: The Water Desk works with CU students and others beyond the campus to advance learning and to engage the community on Western water issues.
The Water Desk launched in April 2019 with support from a two-year, $700,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation. We are seeking additional funding to build and sustain the initiative. Learn more about our funding on this page.
As an editorially independent journalism program, The Water Desk maintains a strict editorial firewall between its content and funders. Likewise, The Water Desk has editorial independence from the University of Colorado. The Water Desk is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News that abides by the norms outlined in the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
The Water Desk works across platforms and has supported journalism in newspapers, magazines, websites, radio, podcasts, television and video.
The Water Desk shares the University of Colorado Boulder’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and community engagement. The University of Colorado Boulder exemplifies excellence through diversity by:
- Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
- Maximizing the success and inclusion of all students, staff and faculty
- Engaging with diverse perspectives through a growth mindset
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Have a question or suggestion? Please contact us at waterdesk@colorado.edu