Decades later, abandoned mines continue to haunt Colorado’s waterways
According to a 2017 study, there are over 23,000 abandoned mines across Colorado and 1,800 miles of streams that are impaired due to pollutants related to acid mine drainage.
Some Western cities offer residents “cash for grass” to reduce irrigation
A study in 2016 showed that lawns are the largest irrigated crop in America.
Building a network for water journalism
The Water Desk is home to a collaborative network of media outlets that cross-publish content related to Western water issues.
Members are encouraged to share content, promote one another’s work...
Photos: Front Range aerials, May 2019
This photo gallery features images shot during a Lighthawk aerial tour of water-related sites along Colorado's Front Range.
After departing from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, the flight...
A dry subject: how scientists map drought conditions
Scientists have a variety of measures of drought, but some are starting to use the term "aridification" to describe the long-term drying of the Southwest.
Map: monthly average precipitation
This map shows total rain and snowfall in the contiguous United States, every month from 1981 to the present. The map's color scale runs from white (no precipitation), to blue (significant precipitation) to red (intense...
Map: weekly drought reports
This map depicts data from the National Drought Mitigation Center. Drought intensity categories are based on numerous indicators and local reports from more than 350 expert observers around the...
Denver developer, former governor make $118M play for San Luis Valley water
A well-connected metro Denver water developer is proposing to export millions of gallons of water from the San Luis Valley to Douglas County.
Aurora, Colo. Springs seek to drill on lower Homestake Creek dam sites
The cities of Aurora and Colorado Springs are increasing their efforts to develop a reservoir on lower Homestake Creek in the Eagle River Basin.
CWCB changes course, will open most demand management meetings to public
The Colorado Water Conservation Board has decided to hold upcoming workgroup meetings about a potential water-demand management effort in public