From a raft in the Canyon, the West’s shifting water problems are evident
In 1990, the big problem for the Colorado River was managing too much water. Now, it's adjusting to too little, a problem likely to get worse as drought and climate change pose a profound challenge for the river that provides water for more than 40 million people.
Sonoran scientists start group for Latin American women in conservation fields
Women are increasingly finding a space in the male-dominated field of environmental conservation. But there are still significant barriers – from harassment to language hurdles – keeping their work in the shadows.
Yurok Tribe in Northern California grows solutions in soil of crises
The COVID-19 pandemic, record drought in Northern California that has decimated fish populations and the persistent washout of the main highway have awakened the Yurok Tribe to food insecurity in the area.
Even in an epically dry year, water flows into parched Colorado River delta
Seven years ago, a pulse of water on the Colorado River at the U.S.-Mexico border temporarily reconnected it to the Pacific Ocean. Mexican and American environmental groups are working to bring water back into this part of the estuary and study what happens.
Environmental remediation costs present challenge for Coyotes’ proposed Tempe arena site
PHOENIX – The Coyotes’ plan for a new stadium in Tempe will have to contend with a proposed $70 million payment for environmental remediation costs. Experts say they will encounter plenty of challenges in the cleanup process, but might be rewarded in kind by the city.
Lake at new SoFi Stadium captures and reuses recycled water
LOS ANGELES – The new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the Rams and Chargers will play this season, includes an artificial lake that can capture and reuse stormwater.
Arizona professor will lead NASA project to locate menacing objects near Earth
PHOENIX – NASA has appointed a professor at the University of Arizona to lead the Near Earth Object Surveyor project, which involves building an orbiting infrared telescope that scans space for potentially harmful asteroids.
Lake Powell drops to record low as demand continues to outpace drought
The nation’s second-largest reservoir, Lake Powell, is fell over the weekend to 3,555.1 feet above sea level, the lowest point since it was filled in the 1960s. It joins downstream Lake Mead, the largest U.S. reservoir, which also fell to a historic low level this summer.
Plumbing the Rockies: Vast infrastructure gets water where it’s needed
In Colorado, most of the water is in the western part of the state, but 80% of residents live east of the Rocky Mountains. A complex network of tunnels and canals supplies those cities, but is that system still viable in a warming, drying West?
Hydropower worries grow as Colorado River reservoirs continue to dry up
Water to drink also is water for power production, and planners are worried as the current megadrought in the Colorado River Basin strains the operation of Lake Powell’s Glen Canyon Dam.
Colorado River Basin reservoirs begin emergency releases to prop up a troubled Lake Powell
Emergency water releases from reservoirs upstream of Lake Powell began Thursday to preserve its ability to generate hydroelectric power.
Hiking trails on Piestewa, Camelback will close during extreme heat
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board approved a pilot program which restricts access to hiking trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when an excessive heat watch is in place.
