An initiative of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder

Site Features

Small streams and wetlands are key parts of river networks – here’s why they...

The Trump administration's new rule ends federal protection under the Clean Water Act for many small streams and wetlands. But a scientist argues these are critical parts of river systems.

California’s dream has turned into water nightmares

A new book looks at the Golden State’s history to understand its current water crisis.

Video story: California’s vanishing lake (full length)

Water conservation in California’s southern desert is causing an environmental disaster as the Salton Sea quickly shrinks.
Arizona Public Media

Video: The vanishing vaquita

Should Colorado River water be used to grow alfalfa or subdivisions in the Phoenix metropolitan area?

Meet the veteran insider who’s shepherding Gov. Newsom’s plan to bring climate resilience to...

Former journalist Nancy Vogel explains how the draft California Water Resilience Portfolio came together and why it’s expected to guide future state decisions

Is renewable energy’s future dammed?

A proposed hydroelectric project on the Little Colorado River shows the tricky trade-offs in transitioning from fossil fuels.

Who should pay for water conservation in the West? Water managers wade into discussion

The head of the Colorado River District says any funding must be channeled through the Colorado Water Conservation Board to prevent speculation by private buyers.

State looking to oppose White River storage project in water court

For more than 4½ years, state engineers in Colorado have expressed concerns that a conservancy district has not proven there is a need for the water, which would be stored in the proposed White River reservoir and dam project.

Atmospheric river storms can drive costly flooding – and climate change is making them...

Earth's biggest rivers are streams of warm water vapor in the atmosphere that can cause huge rain and snowfall over land. Climate change is making them longer, wetter and stronger.

Degrees of warming: Rising temperatures, shorter winters and a declining snowpack are impacting Aspen’s...

Pitkin County is warming, the number of frost-free days is increasing and snowpack is declining—all of which have myriad impacts on life in the Aspen area.