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

New Rules

As climate change and overuse reduce water supplies, the gap between “paper water” (the legal right to use water) and “actual water” (what’s available) is widening.

Photos: Xeriscaping in Phoenix

This page features photos of xeriscaping in Phoenix, Arizona. Xeriscaping is the practice of designing landscapes to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. Homeowners can opt for yards filled...

Small farmers wait for California’s groundwater hammer to fall

Farmers, large and small, are beginning to grapple with what the state’s first major groundwater regulation means for them.

Upper Colorado River states add muscle as decisions loom on the shrinking river’s future

Upper basin states seek added leverage to protect their river shares amid difficult talks with California and the lower basin
A kayaker runs the 6-foot drop of Slaughterhouse Falls on the Roaring Fork River photo

Groups try again to secure water for recreation

Some in Colorado’s recreation community are hoping proposed legislation will result in more water in streams for the benefit of boaters.

Stream restoration projects focused on beavers present ‘unsettled’ issue

Some fear perceived harm to downstream water users could prompt push for water rights

San Luis Valley ranchers see dividends in water for fish. Are they on to...

A farmer and environmentalist formed an unlikely partnership to improve fish habitat in the San Luis Valley.
Colorado River photo

Traveler Special Report: Grand Canyon’s Struggling River

Glen Canyon Dam, climate change and invasive plant species are threatening the Colorado River.

Millions in new taxes approved for West Slope, Front Range water districts

Water won big in Colorado on Election Day as voters in two multi-county districts approved property tax increases to fund water projects and programs.
Las Vegas photo

As climate change turns up the heat in Las Vegas, water managers try to...

Rising temperatures will drive up water demand as a historic drought in the Colorado River Basin imperils Southern Nevada's key water source.