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

When the well runs dry

Nobody knows how much water New Mexico has. Finding out is the best way to ensure survival against drought and climate change.
Some of the snowmelt flowing in the Blue River as it joins the Colorado River photo

State officials gear up for “difficult conversations” on the Colorado River

The seven U.S. states that share Colorado River water will soon renegotiate water management guidelines.
Gov. Jared Polis on announces Water ’22 photo

State water education campaign focuses on individual actions

At the meeting of the Colorado Water Congress, Gov. Jared Polis unveiled a statewide initiative to educate Coloradans on water conservation.

Dropping reservoirs create ‘green light’ for sustainability on Colorado River

Dropping reservoir levels have opened a window of opportunity for water-management policies that move the river system toward sustainability.
Glen Canyon Dam photo

As Colorado River reservoirs shrink, feds ask for work-arounds for 2022

As drought threatens Colorado River reservoirs' ability to generate hydropower, the Bureau of Reclamation is creating work-arounds.

Special Report: Climate change is sapping Colorado’s water supplies. Can its hallmark water law...

Colorado’s “first-in-time, first-in-right” prior appropriation doctrine is coming under increasing scrutiny as rivers and reservoirs dry out.

Crystal River restoration finding its footing in Carbondale park

Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Conservancy are finalizing funding to restore a half-mile stretch of the Crystal River and 18 acres of riparian habitat.
Burnt Northern Water land photo

Suburban Marshall Fire stuns Colorado as statewide wildfire protection efforts ramp up

Climate change and the decades-long drought are fueling bigger and more dangerous fires, leaving devastation up and down watersheds.

As winter wildfires burn, will they forever alter Colorado’s forests, water?

Fires in the West burn so intensely that they reshape forests, shift tree species and turn calm waterways into devastating mudflows.

Scarcity the theme of Colorado River conference

Water scarcity underscored this year’s Colorado River Water Users Association conference.