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

Boaters at Cedar Springs Marina photo

A “gut punch” as water rushes from Flaming Gorge to save Lake Powell’s hydropower...

The drought hit crisis proportions this summer, pushing lakes Powell and Mead to historic lows and triggering emergency releases.

Potable water needs in southeastern Colorado persist despite Trump veto

For the last two years, Robin Daigle has had to boil her tap water before pouring it in ice cube trays.  She boils tap water if she needs it to...

Dropping reservoirs create ‘green light’ for sustainability on Colorado River

Dropping reservoir levels have opened a window of opportunity for water-management policies that move the river system toward sustainability.

Public: New Colorado Water Plan needs more urgency and accountability

Coloradans want the state’s top water road map to be more equitable, but finalizing plans has been difficult.
Little Bear Ranch photo

Water planners pray for snow as 2022 forecast shows dry weather ahead

Colorado’s water forecast, already strained by back-to-back drought years, is unlikely to brighten this fall and winter.

A treasure hunt for wild springs in Arizona’s desert 

In Arizona, finding water in the wilderness means discovering a source of life. 
Lake Powell's Glen Canyon Dam photo

New forecast: Lake Powell electricity production to drop, as officials race to boost water...

Electricity produced at Glen Canyon Dam has been cut in half by the 20-year drought.

Meet The 28-Year-Old Californian Trying To Save The Colorado River

The Colorado River is in crisis — one of the worst in recorded history. For the past several months, the seven states that use Colorado River water have been trying to come up with a plan to keep the river from collapsing. California is the single largest user of Colorado River water, which means that any effort to save the river involves California making some serious cuts. 
Gross Dam aerial. Photo by Mitch Tobin

Photos: Gross Reservoir aerials, May 2019

This photo gallery features images shot during a Lighthawk aerial photo flight over Gross Dam and Reservoir, west of Boulder. Denver Water has proposed raising the dam by 131...

Photos: Fishing on the Green River

This page features fishing on the Green River in Utah. The Green River flows through Wyoming, Utah and Colorado, running 730 miles downriver before connecting with the Colorado River. About...