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

Maybell project addresses problems for irrigators, boaters, fish

The Maybell Irrigation District and The Nature Conservancy are rehabilitating and modernizing a key headgate and diversion on the Yampa River.

Does the Western Megadrought Mean the End of Cheap Cheese and Ice Cream?

Water Desk grantees Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley of the Gastropod podcast recently explored the importance of alfalfa to Western water issues and dairy products.

A Colorado River veteran moves upstream and plunges into the drought-stressed river’s mounting woes

Chuck Cullom discusses the Upper Basin's five-point plan, water cut-offs and who IS responsible for water losses.

Drought threatens coal plant operations — and electricity — across the West

The very plants whose emissions help drive climate change are at risk of shutdowns because the water they need to operate has fallen to unprecedented levels.

Harvesting water in arid lands – Water Buffs Podcast ep. 11 – Brad Lancaster

Brad Lancaster, author and expert on water harvesting, explains how to make the most of rainfall and greywater to stretch local supplies.

Photos and videos: Westwater, Utah, September 2022

This page features drone-captured photos and video of Westwater, a small Navajo community next to Blanding, Utah, that recently got electricity and is still waiting for running water. Water...
San Diego has shored up its water supplies by upgrading the All-American Canal, which takes Colorado River water to California's Imperial Valley. TED WOOD

A quiet revolution: Southwest cities learn to thrive amid drought

Southwestern U.S. cities have embraced innovative strategies for conserving and sourcing water in a changing climate.

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.

Looking back on America’s summer of heat, floods and climate change: Welcome to the...

This isn’t just a freak summer: Over the years, such extreme events are occurring in increasing frequency and intensity.

Tribal breakthrough? Four states, six tribes announce first formal talks on Colorado River negotiating...

Four states have embarked on formal meetings to negotiate jointly with some of the largest owners of Colorado River water rights: tribal communities.