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

“A generational historic struggle to regain our water”

The Gila River Indian Community is ensuring that members can use their own resources while helping solve water supply problems in the region.

Streamflows in southern half of upper Colorado River basin declining faster

New climate data shows a north/south split in streamflow declines in the Colorado River Basin.
Yampa River photo

Steamboat looks to new program to address high river temperatures

Steamboat Springs is trying to comply with state regulations and also cool down chronically high temperatures in an impaired stretch of the Yampa River.
Little Bear Ranch photo

Water planners pray for snow as 2022 forecast shows dry weather ahead

Colorado’s water forecast, already strained by back-to-back drought years, is unlikely to brighten this fall and winter.
Irrigation from the Crystal River photo

River District report highlights Western Slope concerns with state water-savings plan

The Colorado River Water Conservation District staff plans to present its own framework for a water-savings plan at its October board meeting.

In an arid U.S. West, water agencies look to delive​r​ purified wastewater directly to...

Western water ​experts are working to not only conserve water, but to also reuse as much wastewater as possible​,​ including ​through direct potable reuse​.​
Windy Gap Reservoir photo

Jackpot: Colorado stimulus funds boost water grants to $13M

Environment and recreation projects represented the largest slice of the pie at $6.6 million.

Homestake hike highlights uncertainties with proposed reservoir project

A project in the Upper Eagle River watershed proposes to send water from the Colorado River basin to the fast-growing Front Range. 
Cedar Springs Marina photo

Feds won’t do more emergency water releases to aid Lake Powell after this year

The releases from Flaming Gorge, Blue Mesa and Navajo reservoirs are designed to bolster hydropower production at the ailing Lake Powell.
Elk Creek Marina photo

Blue Mesa Reservoir releases to prop up Lake Powell impacting recreation

In an effort to prop up water levels at Lake Powell, water managers are negatively impacting recreation on Colorado’s biggest man-made lake.