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

10 visuals that show how climate change is transforming the West’s snow and water...

The latest National Climate Assessment warns of a shrinking snowpack and serious downstream consequences.

Data viz: Elephant Butte Reservoir levels

Last update: September 21, 2022 Percent of total capacity Source: US Bureau of Reclamation

East Troublesome Fire could cause water-quality impacts for years

The Colorado fire grew 100,000 acres in 24 hours, eventually becoming the second-largest wildfire in the state’s recorded history.
Parshall Flume photo

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.

Colorado water utilities race to protect workers from COVID-19 as they declare tap water...

Water utilities initiated emergency action plans, asking hundreds of employees to work from home to limit the virus’ spread and to help protect the workers needed to operate water treatment and delivery systems.

A Colorado River flows drop and tensions rise, water interests struggle to find solutions...

Experts warn that climate change has rendered old assumptions outdated about what the Colorado River can provide, leaving painful water cuts as the only way forward.

Apply for funding from The Water Desk

This page explains how journalists can apply to The Water Desk for funding to support their coverage of water issues in and around the Colorado River Basin. We will be...

Video and photos: Captain Jack Mill drone flight, July 2019

This photo gallery contains images taken by drone for our story on acid mine drainage in Colorado, which featured the Captain Jack Mill Superfund site near Ward, Colorado. DateJuly 18,...

Unsafe yield

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

Video: Selling water

Should Colorado River water be used to grow alfalfa or subdivisions in the Phoenix metropolitan area?