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

Blue Mesa is threatened by a two-decade-long drought and downstream obligations

Experts say it will take a lot more than one snowy winter to refill the reservoir. 
Crystal River rancher Bill Fales stands at the headgate for the Helms Ditch photo

Crystal River rancher, Water Trust again try to boost flows

A Crystal River Valley rancher and a nonprofit organization are teaming up for the second time to leave more water in a parched stream.

60 days and counting: Colorado River cutbacks achievable, experts say, as long as farm...

Colorado River Basin states have 60 days to come up with a water reduction plan.
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.