Cutting Back
In Diamond Valley, Nevada, farmers are looking to protect their future — and testing the limits of the state’s water laws.
Stream management planning watered down by agriculture
Flow targets for the environment and recreation are lacking, according to a recent report.
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.
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.
Feds call for more water recycling, conservation as Colorado River deteriorates
Water recycling, conservation programs and repair of leaky reservoirs and pipelines will help restore the Colorado River, according to federal officials.
Some Western cities offer residents “cash for grass” to reduce irrigation
A study in 2016 showed that lawns are the largest irrigated crop in America.
State officials draft bill on stream restoration
Colorado officials have drafted a bill aimed at addressing a tension between stream restoration projects and water rights holders.
City water from wilderness
Against fierce opposition, thirsty cities near Denver plan to draw water from Colorado River headwaters in the Holy Cross Wilderness. Jerd Smith reports for The Water Desk.
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State officials gear up for “difficult conversations” on the Colorado River
The seven U.S. states that share Colorado River water will soon renegotiate water management guidelines.
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.












