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

Cow Creek photo

Ouray County water project faces opposition from state, others

A proposed reservoir, pipeline and water exchange in western Colorado could impact fish and environmental flows.
Glen Canyon Dam photo

Electric costs in Colorado set to surge as Lake Powell struggles to produce hydropower

A federal agency aims to offset rising costs linked to Lake Powell’s inability to produce as much hydropower due to drought.

Photos and videos: Navajo Dam and Navajo Lake, August 2021

This page features imagery and videos of of Navajo Lake and Navajo Dam, along the San Juan River in northwest New Mexico. The image and video galleries are available for...
Center pivot irrigation photo

State water task force issues anti-profiteering report; critics say it falls short

A state group examining water speculation identified eight ideas to stop water hoarding, but failed to provide legislative recommendations.
Highline Canal photo

Colorado work group fails to reach consensus in anti-speculation report

There's still no consensus about what should be done to prevent investors from profiting off of speculating on the state’s water. 
Drought at Little Bear Ranch photo

Back-to-back droughts choke Western Colorado as winter forecast darkens

A repeat of dry conditions in 2021 is making Colorado’s continuing drought across swaths of the state’s Western Slope even more devastating.
Ruedi Reservoir photo

How low can Ruedi Reservoir go?

Water levels could fall so low this winter that the city of Aspemay struggle to generate power, and water owners could see shortages.
Boaters at Cedar Springs Marina photo

A “gut punch” as water rushes from Flaming Gorge to save Lake Powell’s hydropower...

The drought hit crisis proportions this summer, pushing lakes Powell and Mead to historic lows and triggering emergency releases.
Sprinkler gif

Just 53% of Colorado cities use permanent watering restrictions, despite proven savings

Despite a drought and below-normal reservoir levels, communities remain split on permanent outdoor watering restrictions.
Parks and Wildlife officer photo

Colorado reaches settlement on Chatfield Reservoir environmental water plan

Colorado water officials have reached a settlement removing one of the last barriers to a new water program in Chatfield Reservoir.