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

Rafters on the Gunnison River photo

How many “boatable” days does a Colorado river possess? We’re about to find out

A prototype web tool uses historical data to give river users and water managers the ability to check an entire season’s flow forecast.

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...
Julia Bernal (Sandia, Taos and Yuchi-Creek Nations of Oklahoma) in Sandoval County in the Middle Rio Grande Valley photo

Indigenous feminism flows through the fight for water rights on the Rio Grande

An intergenerational group of Pueblo women lead the way on water policy along the Middle Rio Grande Valley.

Looking back on America’s summer of heat, floods and climate change: Welcome to the...

This isn’t just a freak summer: Over the years, such extreme events are occurring in increasing frequency and intensity.

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.

New study shows Durango’s water supplies declining dramatically as climate change, drought hit home

A new study finds that Durango can no longer depend solely on direct flow from the Florida and Animas rivers for a reliable supply of water.

A new strategy for western states to adapt to long-term drought: Customized water pricing

Rather than raising everyone’s water prices, we propose a customized approach that lets individual consumers decide whether to pay higher prices.

Thirsty future for American West, as “megadrought” grips some of the fastest-growing U.S. cities

By Alexandra Tempus, Fair Warning In 2002, Utah was reeling from four years of dry conditions that turned the state “into a parched tinderbox,’’ as the Associated Press reported at...

West Slope water officials sound alarm on climate change, shrinking water supplies

Colorado West Slope water officials turned up the volume on the call for action around water and climate change, calling it a “train wreck.”
Yampa River photo

As iconic Yampa River flows drop, Colorado moves to tighten oversight

With drought continuing to grip the American West, Colorado is declaring one of its last, mostly free-flowing rivers as over-appropriated.