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

White River call ‘significant’ for water users

The Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District placed a call for its water rights, which could potentially alter the system for other water users.
Construction workers build a single family home in Castle Rock. The community needs new surface water supplies to reduce its reliance on non-renewable groundwater. Credit: Jerd Smith

Douglas County says no to developers’ San Luis Valley water export proposal

Douglas County will not use COVID-relief funding to help finance a controversial $400 million-plus proposal to export farm water from the San Luis Valley to their fast-growing, water-short region.
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.

Scientists clash over how to track the West’s vital snowpack

Supporters of airborne snow surveys dispute “hotspots” study on water forecasts
Colorado stream photo 1

Special Report: Colorado launches major new series of stream protections

The process of protecting environmental flows takes an important step forward as three laws passed in 2020 start to take effect this year.

Las Vegas water

The Las Vegas area has taken several effective steps to conserve water, with more efforts on the way. Brad Hicks of public broadcasting’s This American Land reports.   Length: 2:00 Download script Download full-resolution...

Water from retired coal plants could help endangered fish in the Yampa River

Endangered fish in the Yampa River may benefit as coal-fired power stations close in the next 10 to 15 years.

Glenwood Springs gets $8 million loan for water-system upgrades following Grizzly Creek Fire

Glenwood Springs received approval for a loan of up to $8 million from the state to upgrade its water system to deal with the impacts from the Grizzly Creek Fire.

Photos and videos: Blue Mesa Reservoir, December 2020

This page features ground-based photos of Blue Mesa Reservoir, along the Gunnison River in Curecanti National Recreation Area. Created by 390-foot Blue Mesa Dam, the reservoir has a capacity of...
Roaring Fork photo 1

Roaring Fork on its way to 100 more acre-feet of flows

Pitkin County took the final step in a years-long effort to get more water into the often water-short upper Roaring Fork River.