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

Demand management discussions continue amid worsening Colorado River crisis

The crisis on the Colorado River is not waiting for the state of Colorado to develop a program to avoid water shortages.

Some of Arizona’s most valuable water could soon hit the market 

PARKER, Arizona – South of Headgate Rock Dam, beyond riverbanks lined with willow and mesquite, the broad floodplain of the Colorado River spreads across emerald fields and sun-bleached earth.  The...

Rainfall brings Colorado River drought relief, but concerns for next year’s water supply remain

Heavy autumn rains brought relief to drought-plagued portions of the Southwest, but across the Colorado River basin ongoing water supply concerns still linger amid tense policy negotiations and near...

Storage and new water sources to be proposed in Aspen water plan

A consultant working for the city of Aspen is presenting both new sources and storage as part of its water future.
Proposition DD map

It was a squeaker, but Colorado voters say yes to sports betting, cash for...

Colorado voters narrowly approved Proposition DD and created a new sports-betting tax whose proceeds will help fund water projects across the state.

Tour the San Joaquin River

An interactive map visualizes restoration efforts on the San Joaquin River.
Rafters on the Gunnison River photo

How many “boatable” days does a Colorado river possess? We’re about to find out

A prototype web tool uses historical data to give river users and water managers the ability to check an entire season’s flow forecast.
Boaters float the Yampa River in northwest Colorado photo

Stream management planning watered down by agriculture

Flow targets for the environment and recreation are lacking, according to a recent report.

Environmental justice board eyes new coordinating entity, better community outreach tools

Colorado's Environmental Justice Advisory Board is discussing recommendations to help the state strengthen its environmental justice work.

Crop in the crosshairs

The federal government is trying to save the water supply for 40 million Americans. It has released three possible plans to protect the Colorado River Basin, which is facing...