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

How climate change is redesigning Canyonlands National Park

A warming climate has been linked to human activity around the world, and has affected the Colorado River System as well. The impacts are substantial, from reduced water flows, threats to indigenous species and the influx of new invasive species along the river system.
Dry agriculture photo

Dust beneath snow: As Colorado reservoirs drop, farmers fear the worst

Reservoirs in the South Platte Basin are full from spring snows, but the rest of the state's storage pools are dangerously low, and farmers are struggling.

$500M in new federal funds to give thousands of Coloradans freedom from lead, PFAS...

Coloradans exposed to drinking water tainted by lead or so-called “forever chemicals" will see clean water faster.

Is ecosystem change in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta outpacing the ability of science to...

A science panel argues for a new approach to make research nimbler and more forward-looking to improve management in the ailing Delta.

“A generational historic struggle to regain our water”

The Gila River Indian Community is ensuring that members can use their own resources while helping solve water supply problems in the region.
Rafters on the Gunnison River photo

How many “boatable” days does a Colorado river possess? We’re about to find out

A prototype web tool uses historical data to give river users and water managers the ability to check an entire season’s flow forecast.

Long-distance water

There’s desperation in the desert – for communities that could run out of water if the Colorado River keeps shrinking from overuse and climate change. Many are now looking...

Grizzly Reservoir to be drained next summer for rehab work

The rehabilitation of Grizzly Dam addresses safety concerns of corroded steel, seepage and operational problems.

Photos: Morrow Point Dam, December 2020

This page features photos of Morrow Point Dam and the Gunnison River on Colorado's Western Slope. Constructed from 1963 to 1968, Morrow Point is 469 feet tall and was the...

Drought threatens coal plant operations — and electricity — across the West

The very plants whose emissions help drive climate change are at risk of shutdowns because the water they need to operate has fallen to unprecedented levels.