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

Dropping reservoirs create ‘green light’ for sustainability on Colorado River

Dropping reservoir levels have opened a window of opportunity for water-management policies that move the river system toward sustainability.
Construction workers build a single family home in Castle Rock. The community needs new surface water supplies to reduce its reliance on non-renewable groundwater. Credit: Jerd Smith

Douglas County says no to developers’ San Luis Valley water export proposal

Douglas County will not use COVID-relief funding to help finance a controversial $400 million-plus proposal to export farm water from the San Luis Valley to their fast-growing, water-short region.

What is a flash drought? An earth scientist explains

Extreme dry spells, also known as flash droughts, are becoming a big concern for farmers and water utilities.

California’s dream has turned into water nightmares

A new book looks at the Golden State’s history to understand its current water crisis.

Despite blizzard, Colorado’s critical mountain snowpack shrinks

Colorado remains mired in drought, with nearly half classified as being extremely or exceptionally dry, the most dangerous categories.
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.
Cloud seeding equipment near Winter Park in Colorado photo

Cloud seeding might not be as promising as drought-troubled states hope

Several western states have experimented with cloud seeding to increase precipitation, but it may not be a promising strategy.

State officials looking for engagement on updated water plan

State officials are hoping dire climate predictions and water shortages will convince Coloradans to get involved in planning how to share a dwindling resource.

It’s all white: Colorado statewide snowpack tops 140%, though reservoirs still low

Drought in the West persists, but the increase in snowpack will likely allow for a significant recovery in reservoirs and soil moisture.

Water managers cope with climate change – Water Buffs Podcast ep. 2 – Cynthia Koehler

Water Desk Director Mitch Tobin talks to Cynthia Koehler, director of the Water Now Alliance, about the many challenges facing water providers and the solutions they are pursuing to make water systems more resilient and sustainable.