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

Transmission lines march outward from Hoover Dam, delivering the dam's hydroelectric power to cities, irrigation districts, and tribes across the Southwest.

Solar growth cushions Colorado River hydropower declines

Lakes Mead and Powell, the basin’s two largest reservoirs, are approaching critical levels in which hydropower from their dams (Hoover and Glen Canyon, respectively) would be severely curtailed or altogether cease.

Photos: Lees Ferry and Navajo Bridge, Arizona, December 2019

This page features photos of the Colorado River and Paria River at Lees Ferry, as well as nearby Navajo Bridge and Marble Canyon in Northern Arizona. Lees Ferry marks the...

Photos and videos: Rio Grande near Fort Craig, New Mexico, August 2022

This page features drone-captured photos and videos of the Rio Grande near Fort Craig, New Mexico Established in 1854, Fort Craig was the site of the largest Civil War battle...

Cutting Back

In Diamond Valley, Nevada, farmers are looking to protect their future — and testing the limits of the state’s water laws.

State inspections lag for New Mexico’s primary drinking water source

New Mexico is behind in water inspections for the third year in a row, leaving water quality in question.
This Parshall flume on Red Mountain photo.

Pitkin County agrees to fund ditch piping project

The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners has approved funding toward a ditch piping project to keep more water in Hunter Creek.
Glen Canyon Dam photo

Electric costs in Colorado set to surge as Lake Powell struggles to produce hydropower

A federal agency aims to offset rising costs linked to Lake Powell’s inability to produce as much hydropower due to drought.
Picuris Pueblo Governor Craig Quanchello photo

Against the flow

Picuris Pueblo says its water has been stolen and shunted over a mountain to the Mora Valley — where irrigators claim rights to it, too.

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.

Wildfires and wetlands

Residents in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, see first-hand how wildfires can damage wetlands and watersheds vitally important to their water supply. Jerd Smith reports for The Water Desk. https://player.vimeo.com/video/553127855 Length: 2:03 Download script Download...