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.
Utah’s Suicide Pact With the Fossil Fuel Industry
The state’s fixation on oil and gas development threatens the Colorado River watershed.
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.
Is the Western drought finally ending? That depends on where you look
Even a deep snowpack in the West likely won't be enough to end the drought.
Once a rich desert river, the Gila struggles to keep flowing
Population growth, agricultural withdrawals and climate change have badly diminished the river and threaten its future.
Special Report: Colorado, New Mexico struggle to save the blistered Rio Grande, with lessons...
Cities in New Mexico and Colorado are juggling water scarcity concerns over the Rio Grande.
What should farmers grow in the desert?
As the Colorado River withers, a rubber company tries to persuade Arizona farmers to grow a latex-producing crop that’s adapted to arid conditions.
Water and climate change in New Mexico – Water Buffs Podcast ep. 9 – Laura...
We talk to Laura Paskus, a journalist with New Mexico PBS, about her coverage of climate change and water issues in the state.
Paddling the Green River to report on Western water issues – Water Buffs Podcast...
Journalist Heather Hansman floated the Green River to explore water issues in the American West, then wrote a fascinating book about her journey.
Praying for rain
The Zuni tribe's homeland is one of the most parched sections of the country. The tribe has already declared three drought emergencies in the last 15 years. Will it survive the next one?