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

pot that was used to hold water by the Anasazi People photo

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe faces another devastating drought year, but recent rain, wheat prices...

Low snowpack and high temperatures have plagued water supplies in southwest Colorado, but high wheat prices bring hope to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
Beach at Barr Lake, where agencies are working to remove toxic algae. May 31, 2022. Credit: Jerd Smith, Fresh Water News

Heading to the lake? Colorado trying new tools, including P-Free lawns, to combat toxic...

Colorado water officials hope to combat algae blooms caused by rising temperatures and an increased use of phosphorus-laced lawn fertilizers.

Colorado River crisis giving tribes new opportunities to right century-old water wrongs

Early involvement in negotiating new Colorado River guidelines will be critical for tribes to determine their future.
Construction workers build a single family home in Castle Rock. The community needs new surface water supplies to reduce its reliance on non-renewable groundwater. Credit: Jerd Smith

Douglas County says no to developers’ San Luis Valley water export proposal

Douglas County will not use COVID-relief funding to help finance a controversial $400 million-plus proposal to export farm water from the San Luis Valley to their fast-growing, water-short region.
An aerial view of the Colorado State Capitol photo

Turf replacement, wildfire, groundwater sustainability funding among water wins as Colorado legislative session ends

The Colorado General Assembly passed bills concerning groundwater, wildfire mitigation, watershed restoration, turf replacement and more.

Feds call for more water recycling, conservation as Colorado River deteriorates

Water recycling, conservation programs and repair of leaky reservoirs and pipelines will help restore the Colorado River, according to federal officials.

Two new Colorado River deals give parched Lake Powell temporary relief

Lake Powell will receive 1 million acre-feet of water from the Colorado River as a short-term solution to drought, boosting lake levels and protecting hydropower production.
Lake Powell's Glen Canyon Dam photo

New forecast: Lake Powell electricity production to drop, as officials race to boost water...

Electricity produced at Glen Canyon Dam has been cut in half by the 20-year drought.
Blue Mesa Reservoir photo

La Niña likely to continue, intensifying drought, wildfires; snowpack hits 91% of average

Colorado's drought may continue into the fall, bringing a third year of below-average snowpack and streamflows and high wildfire danger.
Aerial Snowborne Observatories flight photo

Counting every drop: Colorado approves $1.9M for high-tech snow, water measuring program

Colorado has approved a $1.9 million snow measuring initiative that will help forecast how much water mountain snowpack will likely generate.