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

A centuries-old system determines who gets water first and last

In response to the ongoing drought, Colorado has offered to pay ranchers to leave their water right in the river when levels sink to critically low levels.

Colorado River crisis giving tribes new opportunities to right century-old water wrongs

Early involvement in negotiating new Colorado River guidelines will be critical for tribes to determine their future.

Unsafe yield

Severe drought, dead wells and political division push Arizona steadily closer to water supply peril.
Pistachio farm photo

Tulare County’s never-ending drought brings dried up wells and plenty of misery

In the rural towns around Visalia, drought is a perpetual plight and wells are going dry.

‘This system cannot be sustained’

This year, tribal nations enter negotiations over Colorado River water.

Humans are great at giving real problems the side-eye

Two new books provide insights into the willful ignorance that lead to the West’s water woes.

California’s dream has turned into water nightmares

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