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

Water diversion photo

Special Report: Inside the toxic link between Colorado’s wildfires and its water

Megafires triggered by drought and climate change have ravaged major Colorado water systems, and recent snowmelt will only make things worse.

Maybell project addresses problems for irrigators, boaters, fish

The Maybell Irrigation District and The Nature Conservancy are rehabilitating and modernizing a key headgate and diversion on the Yampa River.

California’s dream has turned into water nightmares

A new book looks at the Golden State’s history to understand its current water crisis.

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. 

Cities in the West are booming in population. Will they need a lot more...

When researcher Brian Richter set out to take a close look at how big cities in the Western U.S. were adapting to water scarcity, he already knew the story’s...
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Proposition DD barely squeaks by

Colorado voters have narrowly passed a measure that will legalize sports betting and use the taxes raised to fund projects outlined in the Colorado Water Plan.
Hydrant photo

Is a hacker targeting your drinking water? COVID-19 exposes problems in Colorado, elsewhere

A cyberattack in Florida has shown that outdated water control technologies have become more exposed to hacking.
Ella Ditch photo

River District looks for natural solutions to Crystal River water shortage

Officials say a solution to the water shortage on the Crystal River will probably include natural fixes before a dam and reservoir.

Report: Estimates of future Upper Colorado River Basin water use confound planning

Some water experts say unrealistic projections make it harder to plan for a future under climate change.

Colorado squeezing water from urban landscapes

Pace of transition has accelerated, deepened and broadened