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

Calls grow for statewide water conservation standards; some cities skeptical

With a warming climate continuing to rob streams and rivers of their flows, talk in Colorado has resumed about how to limit growing water demand for residential use.

State officials draft bill on stream restoration

Colorado officials have drafted a bill aimed at addressing a tension between stream restoration projects and water rights holders.

Photos: Lake Mead and Hoover Dam aerials, May 2021

This page features aerial images of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, along the Colorado River near Las Vegas, Nevada. Lake Mead is the nation's largest reservoir by capacity, but its...

High stakes standoff

A high stakes standoff is playing out over how to save the Colorado River. And with the biggest man-made reservoir in America — Lake Mead — running dry, time...

Photos: Cataract Canyon aerials, October 2022

This page features aerial photos of Cataract Canyon, along the Colorado River in Utah's Canyonlands National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Cataract Canyon begins at the confluence with...

Two pumped water storage projects move forward in Colorado

Two proposed pumped water storage projects that could expand Colorado’s ability to store renewable energy are moving forward.

Water Desk offers support for coverage of New Mexico and Rio Grande water issues

The Water Desk is offering support to journalists and media outlets covering water issues related to New Mexico and the Rio Grande Basin.

A Colorado River flows drop and tensions rise, water interests struggle to find solutions...

Experts warn that climate change has rendered old assumptions outdated about what the Colorado River can provide, leaving painful water cuts as the only way forward.

Can the Ancient Humpback Chub Hang On in Today’s Grand Canyon?

It has survived invasive predators, too-cold water, poisoning, electro-shocks, and a ginormous dam. Still, the chub persists.

Water trouble in Rio Verde Foothills

An Arizona community may be ground zero for climate change in America. The Colorado River basin is in crisis — its reservoirs are running dry. Brad Hicks shows you...