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

Forest Service flooded with comments opposing Whitney Reservoir, drilling

The vast majority of comments received by the agency opposed the proposed dam and reservoir in Western Colorado.
Elk Creek Marina photo

Blue Mesa Reservoir releases to prop up Lake Powell impacting recreation

In an effort to prop up water levels at Lake Powell, water managers are negatively impacting recreation on Colorado’s biggest man-made lake. 

Can Colorado’s source streams make a comeback? These scientists, and beavers, think so

Restoring natural infrastructure, such as beaver habitat and the wetlands it creates, could shield communities from damaging floods, remove toxins and high sediment loads from water, and reduce the apocalyptic effects of megafires.
Sprinkler gif

Just 53% of Colorado cities use permanent watering restrictions, despite proven savings

Despite a drought and below-normal reservoir levels, communities remain split on permanent outdoor watering restrictions.

Western U.S. snowpack is worth trillions of dollars

Putting a price tag on the water stored in the region’s high-elevation frozen reservoir

City water from wilderness

Against fierce opposition, thirsty cities near Denver plan to draw water from Colorado River headwaters in the Holy Cross Wilderness. Jerd Smith reports for The Water Desk. https://vimeo.com/452276811 Length: 2:10 Download script Download...

In the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, two groundwater sustainability agencies try to...

Agencies in two counties are pursuing different approaches to address overdraft and meet requirements of California’s groundwater law.

Human emissions are helping fuel the Southwest’s epic drought

Three studies of the Pacific Ocean conclude that lower precipitation isn’t just due to natural causes

Grizzly Reservoir to be drained next summer for rehab work

The rehabilitation of Grizzly Dam addresses safety concerns of corroded steel, seepage and operational problems.

Wolf Creek reservoir project secures River District grant

The Colorado River Water Conservation District approved a request to partially fund the permitting costs for a dam and reservoir project in northwest Colorado.