How New Mexico learned to love its ephemeral waters
In 2004, Michael and Chantell Sackett purchased a plot of land near Priest Lake, Idaho, in the picturesque northern reaches of the state’s panhandle. On one side of their...
Less federal pressure, worsening drought, and more interstate tension loom over Colorado River talks
The Colorado River Basin is in crisis.
Climate change is reducing its flow and its biggest reservoirs are shrinking. The seven U.S. states that use the river are negotiating cutbacks...
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.
Long troubled Salton Sea may finally be getting what it most needs: action —...
The shrinking desert lake has long been a trouble spot beset by rising salinity and unhealthy dust blowing from its increasingly exposed bed.
Carbondale Ranch, water trust launch 2nd effort to boost Crystal River flows
Cold Mountain Ranch and the Colorado Water Trust penned an agreement to improve the Crystal River’s streamflow and compensate nearby ranchers.
Well water throughout California contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’
These chemicals are everywhere. They last forever. They’re expensive to get rid of. And many Californians don’t even know they’re drinking them.
Indigenous feminism flows through the fight for water rights on the Rio Grande
An intergenerational group of Pueblo women lead the way on water policy along the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
Map: Explore drone, aerial and terrestrial imagery from The Water Desk
Use this interactive map to browse our expanding collection of free-to-use photos and videos captured by drones, planes and ground-based photographers.
Scientists seeking answers about Mars look to the Colorado River’s canyons
Ancient rainstorms may have sculpted the red planet, similar to the monsoon rains that helped shape the Southwest’s landscape.
Not enough water and too many invasives at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Years of drought, upstream diversions and impoundments, and an overly optimistic forecast of Colorado River flows, have sapped the river once literally called Grand.