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

Photos: Roosevelt Dam and Roosevelt Lake aerials May 2021

This page features aerial photos of Theodore Roosevelt Lake and Theodore Roosevelt Dam, along the Salt River east of Phoenix. Roosevelt Dam, which rises 357 feet, was the first structure completed as a part of...

How Hudbay’s Santa Rita mining will impact Southern Arizona’s waterways

The proposed Copper World Complex mine is carving roads and berms that will impact wildlife and waterflow.

Photos: Dolores River and McPhee Reservoir, May 2023

This page features aerial photos of the Dolores River and McPhee Reservoir in southwest Colorado. The Dolores River begins in the San Juan Mountains and meets the Colorado River in...

New study shows Durango’s water supplies declining dramatically as climate change, drought hit home

A new study finds that Durango can no longer depend solely on direct flow from the Florida and Animas rivers for a reliable supply of water.

Supreme Court rules the US is not required to ensure access to water for...

The Navajo quest for a clear determination of their water rights is rooted in America’s history of removing Native Americans from their lands and moving them to areas with fewer resources.

Saving a river

In the arid Southwest, where water scarcity often divides competing interests, an innovative approach could become the model for future cooperation. Brad Hicks shows you how a river is being...

An Arizona water story where ranchers, environmentalists and developers are collaborating

A nonprofit trust is in the middle of a five-phase campaign to purchase and protect Sopori Creek and Farm and its larger watershed and habitat.

Photos and videos: Arkansas River, Colorado, March 2021

This page features ground-based and drone-captured photos and videos of the Arkansas River in central Colorado. The Arkansas River begins near Leadville, Colorado and travels nearly 1,500 miles until it...

Upper Colorado River states add muscle as decisions loom on the shrinking river’s future

Upper basin states seek added leverage to protect their river shares amid difficult talks with California and the lower basin

Farmers weigh tough choices as uncertain water future looms

With unpredictable water resources, farmers in New Mexico must gamble in order to keep their agricultural production viable.