These hay fields may know something we don’t: how to save the Colorado River
A $1 million science experiment on Colorado hay fields is backed by powerful water groups, farm interests, and environmentalists.
Restoration, infrastructure and the economic value of rivers – Water Buffs Podcast ep. 4...
We discuss a recent American Rivers report that examines the economic value of rivers and our nation’s crumbling water infrastructure. The report calls on Congress to invest $500 billion over 10 years in water infrastructure and river restoration.
Water released from Elkhead Reservoir lifts call on Yampa River
The second-ever call on the Yampa River was lifted after water providers announced an Elkhead Reservoir water release to support irrigators and endangered fish.
Denver’s High Line Canal a study in using something old to solve new problem
Infrastructure built more than a century ago still endures, but some of Colorado’s old irrigation ditches have been repurposed to meet the moment. The High Line Canal—a 71-mile-long former irrigation conveyance turned greenway and stormwater filtration tool—winds its way through the Denver metro area as an artery of infrastructure boasting a story of adaptation.
Water, money, and power in Colorado – Water Buffs Podcast ep. 3 – Heather Sackett
Water Desk Director Mitch Tobin talks to Heather Sackett, managing editor at Aspen Journalism, about water issues in Colorado, including several stories that explore the potential transfer of water from rural areas to growing cities.
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.
Cutting back on irrigation
In a pilot project in Colorado, farmers are reducing irrigation on their hay fields and monitoring the results, to learn if they can send more water down the Colorado...
As pressure to regulate Yampa River continues, locals raise cash to aid compliance effort
Nearly one year after the state ordered Yampa River water users to begin measuring their diversions from the iconic river, local community groups have raised more than $200,000 to help cash-strapped ranchers and others install the devices needed to comply with the law.
Colorado official says demand management program holds water
At the heart of a potential program is a reduction in water use in an attempt to send up to 500,000 acre-feet downstream to Lake Powell to bolster thereservoir and meet 1922 Colorado River Compact obligations.
Western Colorado water purchases stir up worries about the future of farming
Part of a series by Aspen Journalism, KUNC, KJZZ and The Nevada Independent exploring how investors are banking on the West’s water scarcity.