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

As the Salton Sea shrinks, it leaves behind a toxic reminder of the cost...

Scientists fear that eventually the toxic residue of more than a century of agricultural runoff will be blown into the air — and into the lungs of residents.

State officials looking for engagement on updated water plan

State officials are hoping dire climate predictions and water shortages will convince Coloradans to get involved in planning how to share a dwindling resource.

Photos: Salton Sea aerials, October 2018

This page features aerial imagery of the Salton Sea in Southern California. The Salton Sea is a shallow, highly saline lake bordering southern California’s Imperial County. The lake was created...
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.

Judge dismisses several water uses in White River reservoir case

A water court judge has agreed with state engineers and dismissed several of a water conservancy district’s claims for water for a dam and reservoir project in northwest Colorado.

Data viz: Elephant Butte Reservoir levels

Last update: September 21, 2022 Percent of total capacity Source: US Bureau of Reclamation

Photos: Rio Grande Gorge, June 2024

This page in our free multimedia library features photos of the Rio Grande Gorge, near Taos, N.M. The Rio Grande Gorge, a striking canyon of volcanic basalt up to 800...

Report: Colorado’s farm water use exceeds national average, despite efforts to conserve

Farm water is critical to Colorado’s effort to balance a growing population with a water system stressed by drought and climate change.

Maybell project addresses problems for irrigators, boaters, fish

The Maybell Irrigation District and The Nature Conservancy are rehabilitating and modernizing a key headgate and diversion on the Yampa River.

Photos and videos: White River Flight, May 2021

This page features aerial imagery of the White River in northwest Colorado and northeast Utah. The White River is a tributary of the Green River, which is the Colorado River’s...