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

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.

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.
Beaver dam photo

Scientists: Beavers latest tool to emerge in rebuilding drought-stricken streams

Beavers are making a comeback as researchers look for ways to restore rivers and wetlands while improving the health of drought-stressed aquifers.
A lush lawn outside a home in a Thornton, Colo. subdivision photo

Turf replacement bill gains ground

Colorado could soon have a program that would pay property owners to get rid of one of the largest water uses for Western Slope water providers: grass.

Rancher grapples with abandonment listing

The Fetcher Ranch, like many in Colorado, is struggling with an abandonment policy that may strip water rights from the land.

Colorado water users, environmentalists brace for changes as EPA, Supreme Court weigh wetland rules

The Supreme Court is reevaluating the Clean Water Act's standards for wetland protection, which could affect the health of Colorado waterways.
This photo from December 2021 shows one of the intake towers at Hoover Dam. Federal officials said basin states must conserve 2 to 4 million acre-feet to protect reservoir levels in 2023. CREDIT: HEATHER SACKETT/ASPEN JOURNALISM

Race is on for Colorado River basin states to conserve before feds take action

Seven states in the West have been given until August 15th to implement new strategies and tools to conserve the Colorado River.

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.

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.
Boaters float the Yampa River in northwest Colorado photo

Stream management planning watered down by agriculture

Flow targets for the environment and recreation are lacking, according to a recent report.