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

A centuries-old system determines who gets water first and last

In response to the ongoing drought, Colorado has offered to pay ranchers to leave their water right in the river when levels sink to critically low levels.

Data viz: Navajo Lake levels

Last update: September 21, 2022 Percent of total capacity Source: US Bureau of Reclamation
Gross Dam aerial. Photo by Mitch Tobin

Photos: Gross Reservoir aerials, May 2019

This photo gallery features images shot during a Lighthawk aerial photo flight over Gross Dam and Reservoir, west of Boulder. Denver Water has proposed raising the dam by 131...

Winter’s alarmingly low snowpack offers a glimpse of the changing rhythm of water in...

As global temperatures rise, the freezing line where precipitation changes from rain to snow moves up the mountains, shrinking the area capable of sustaining a seasonal snowpack.

Colorado River farm fallowing pilot moves forward, with approvals slated for next month

Farmers and ranchers in Colorado have submitted proposals to help restore the Colorado River, but the impacts remain uncertain.

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.

Shoshone power plant outages concern Glenwood Canyon water users

It has been a rough year for the Shoshone hydropower plant in Glenwood Canyon. First, ice jammed the plant’s spillway; then a wildfire burned down its transmission lines.

Photos: Parker Dam, February 2021

This page features photos of Parker Dam, located along the Colorado River on the Arizona-California border.   Built between 1934 and 1938 by the Bureau of Reclamation, Parker Dam is...

Feds, 4 Colorado River states unveil draft drought operations plan as 2022 forecast shift

The Bureau of Reclamation and the Upper Basin states have drawn up a proposed framework to create plans to maintain Lake Powell water levels.

Photos and videos: Treasure Falls, Colorado, June 2026

This page features photos and videos of Treasure Falls in the San Juan National Forest near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Treasure Falls is an easily accessible waterfall located just off U.S. 160,...