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

Two new Colorado River deals give parched Lake Powell temporary relief

Lake Powell will receive 1 million acre-feet of water from the Colorado River as a short-term solution to drought, boosting lake levels and protecting hydropower production.

Lawmakers suspend attempt at legislative fix for water speculation

Colorado lawmakers have suspended an attempt to prohibit outside investors from profiting off the state’s water.

Photos: Agriculture in Pinal County, Arizona

This page features photos of agriculture in Pinal County, Arizona. Located in the central part of southern Arizona, Pinal County is one of the most agriculturally productive counties in the...
Cattle photo

The Southwest monsoon season is changing, forcing ranchers and Indigenous farmers to adapt

Changing storms in the Southwest are altering timeless food traditions as researchers grapple with how to study the monsoon’s erratic nature.

Colorado lawmakers propose millions in funding to slash groundwater use; curb water profiteering

New legislation could help water-strapped regions of the state meet their obligations to deliver water to Kansas, New Mexico and Texas.

Special Report: As Lake Powell hits record lows, is filling a new drought pool...

Upper Basin states that created their own drought contingency plan still haven’t agreed on the biggest, most controversial element of the plan.

Investment water speculation bill clears committee

Despite opposition from agriculture interests, legislators moved forward a bill aimed at outlawing water investment speculation.

Nine Colorado roundtables submit $20.3B in water project lists, ask for public’s input

Colorado communities have identified projects to help ensure there's enough water for the state's people, farms and wildlife.

Crop-switching in the megadrought

Farmers in Arizona are hoping that guayule, a hardy plant that produces natural rubber, can become a profitable crop requiring far less water than alfalfa, corn and cotton. Gary...
Parshall Flume photo

State engineers developing measurement rules for water diversions

Colorado officials are preparing for a future with less water by developing rules for users to measure how much they're taking from streams.