Once ‘paradise,’ parched Colorado valley grapples with arsenic in water
Decades of climate change-driven drought, combined with the overpumping of aquifers, is making the valley desperately dry — and appears to be intensifying the levels of heavy metals in drinking water.
Renegade rancher
40 million people rely on the Colorado River system for water and power. But after 20 years of drought, the river basin is running low. For the Water Desk,...
An Arizona water story where ranchers, environmentalists and developers are collaborating
A nonprofit trust is in the middle of a five-phase campaign to purchase and protect Sopori Creek and Farm and its larger watershed and habitat.
Farmers weigh tough choices as uncertain water future looms
With unpredictable water resources, farmers in New Mexico must gamble in order to keep their agricultural production viable.
Diverting the Rio Grande into a grown-over, decades-old canal could cut New Mexico’s water...
New Mexico once again owes Texas a massive water debt, so water managers are considering resurrecting the original purpose of the channel.
Colorado River states bought time with a 3-year water conservation deal – now they...
The May 2023 deal staves off an immediate water crisis but does not solve long-term problems in the Colorado River Basin.
Stream restoration bill watered down
A bill making it easier for stream-restoration projects to take place has been gutted after stakeholders couldn’t reach an agreement.
The Colorado River drought crisis: 5 essential reads
Five articles from The Conversation’s archive explain what’s happening and what’s at stake in the Colorado River basin’s drought crisis.
Colorado River farm fallowing pilot moves forward, with approvals slated for next month
Farmers and ranchers in Colorado have submitted proposals to help restore the Colorado River, but the impacts remain uncertain.
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...