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

Site Features

As the Colorado River shrinks, can the basin find an equitable solution in sharing...

Drought and climate change are raising concerns that a century-old compact that divided the river’s waters could force unwelcome cuts in use for the upper watershed.

Data viz: Elephant Butte Reservoir levels

Last update: September 21, 2022 Percent of total capacity Source: US Bureau of Reclamation

Navajo water

Many residents on the Navajo Reservation are now enjoying clean, running water and solar power in their homes, benefiting from DigDeep’s ambitious project to transform their daily lives with...

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.

Why the second-driest state rejects water conservation

A powerful group that steers Utah’s water policy keeps pushing for costly infrastructure over meaningful conservation efforts.

Data viz: Navajo Lake levels

Last update: September 21, 2022 Percent of total capacity Source: US Bureau of Reclamation
Glen Canyon Dam photo

As Colorado River reservoirs shrink, feds ask for work-arounds for 2022

As drought threatens Colorado River reservoirs' ability to generate hydropower, the Bureau of Reclamation is creating work-arounds.

Special Report: Climate change is sapping Colorado’s water supplies. Can its hallmark water law...

Colorado’s “first-in-time, first-in-right” prior appropriation doctrine is coming under increasing scrutiny as rivers and reservoirs dry out.

Photos: Central Arizona Project

This page features photos of the Central Arizona Project (CAP) canal, a cornerstone of Arizona's water supply. Created in 1968 by the Colorado River Basin Project Act, the CAP is...

Photos: University of Arizona Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research

This page contains photos from the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research in the University of Arizona’s College of Science. The Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research is a global hub of dendrochronology: the...