Renegade rancher
40 million people rely on the Colorado River system for water and power. But after 20 years of drought, the river basin is running low. For the Water Desk,...
Upper Colorado River states add muscle as decisions loom on the shrinking river’s future
Upper basin states seek added leverage to protect their river shares amid difficult talks with California and the lower basin
Farmers weigh tough choices as uncertain water future looms
With unpredictable water resources, farmers in New Mexico must gamble in order to keep their agricultural production viable.
Diverting the Rio Grande into a grown-over, decades-old canal could cut New Mexico’s water...
New Mexico once again owes Texas a massive water debt, so water managers are considering resurrecting the original purpose of the channel.
Colorado River states bought time with a 3-year water conservation deal – now they...
The May 2023 deal staves off an immediate water crisis but does not solve long-term problems in the Colorado River Basin.
Utah’s Suicide Pact With the Fossil Fuel Industry
The state’s fixation on oil and gas development threatens the Colorado River watershed.
Stream restoration bill watered down
A bill making it easier for stream-restoration projects to take place has been gutted after stakeholders couldn’t reach an agreement.
Amid a withering drought, New Mexico leaders struggle to plan for life with less...
New Mexico faces tough choices as a dire and historic drought continues and the Rio Grande is unable to give everyone what they want or need.
The Colorado River drought crisis: 5 essential reads
Five articles from The Conversation’s archive explain what’s happening and what’s at stake in the Colorado River basin’s drought crisis.
Colorado River farm fallowing pilot moves forward, with approvals slated for next month
Farmers and ranchers in Colorado have submitted proposals to help restore the Colorado River, but the impacts remain uncertain.