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

Crystal River rancher Bill Fales stands at the headgate for the Helms Ditch photo

Crystal River rancher, Water Trust again try to boost flows

A Crystal River Valley rancher and a nonprofit organization are teaming up for the second time to leave more water in a parched stream.

The value of water

With population growth around Denver prompting fierce competition for water, investors want to import a new supply from the San Luis Valley, but many farmers and ranchers who depend...
This Parshall flume on Red Mountain photo.

Pitkin County agrees to fund ditch piping project

The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners has approved funding toward a ditch piping project to keep more water in Hunter Creek.

Hundreds of San Luis Valley farm wells at risk as state shortens deadline to...

Colorado's top water regulator is warning that a decision on whether hundreds of farm wells will be shut off to help save the Rio Grande River could come much sooner than expected.

Wildfires and wetlands

Residents in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, see first-hand how wildfires can damage wetlands and watersheds vitally important to their water supply. Jerd Smith reports for The Water Desk. https://player.vimeo.com/video/553127855 Length: 2:03 Download script Download...
The Crystal River flows through the town of Marble just after its confluence with Yule Creek

U.S. Army Corps won’t hold public hearing on marble quarry that relocated Yule Creek

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has denied local groups’ request for a public hearing in the case of a marble quarry that violated the Clean Water Act.

As Lake Powell drops, a thriving ecosystem is emerging

“We’re entering beaver land!” Zanna Stutz yelled joyfully. Stepping lightly over slick, wobbly mud and splashing through ankle-deep water, she approached a small dam created by nature’s engineers. A Woodhouse toad...

Recreation groups ask for more inclusion in state Water Plan

Colorado’s river recreation community is asking for more recognition in the update to the state’s Water Plan.

Vague and voluntary proposals may do little to help Colorado River

Seven municipal water providers in the West create a five-point plan to conserve water, but some say it's not enough.

Photos: Morelos Dam, October 2018

This page contains ground-based and aerial photos of Morelos Dam just south of where California, Arizona and Mexico meet. Morelos Dam was constructed in 1950 after The Mexican Water Treaty...