Less federal pressure, worsening drought, and more interstate tension loom over Colorado River talks
The Colorado River Basin is in crisis.
Climate change is reducing its flow and its biggest reservoirs are shrinking. The seven U.S. states that use the river are negotiating cutbacks...
Apache water
As the Colorado River is impacted by climate change and drought, Native American tribes are helping to find solutions. For The Water Desk, Gary Strieker reports on the Jicarilla...
Counting every drop: Colorado approves $1.9M for high-tech snow, water measuring program
Colorado has approved a $1.9 million snow measuring initiative that will help forecast how much water mountain snowpack will likely generate.
60 days and counting: Colorado River cutbacks achievable, experts say, as long as farm...
Colorado River Basin states have 60 days to come up with a water reduction plan.
Corporate support for the river
For decades, water managers and environmentalists have worked to keep a critical stretch of the drought-stressed Colorado River healthy enough to support endangered fish. This year, they’re getting a...
Declining levels at Lake Powell increase risk to humpback chub downstream
Low levels and warming waters threaten to increase invasive species in the Colorado River.
Amid a withering drought, New Mexico leaders struggle to plan for life with less...
New Mexico faces tough choices as a dire and historic drought continues and the Rio Grande is unable to give everyone what they want or need.
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...
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.
Why the second-driest state rejects water conservation
A powerful group that steers Utah’s water policy keeps pushing for costly infrastructure over meaningful conservation efforts.