With the Colorado River in crisis, those who decide its future gather with a sense of urgency
Some of the most important researchers and decision makers in Western water management will be in Las Vegas discussing the future of the Colorado River, which comes ahead of major cutbacks implemented by the federal government.
VP Kamala Harris discusses Build Back Better and climate change at Lake Mead
Vice President Kamala Harris met with regional leaders Monday at Lake Mead to discuss water shortages and the importance of the Build Back Better plan, which would invest in such measures as water reclamation and recycling.
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.
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.
‘You feel like you can’t get a break’: The Colorado River struggles to water the West after two decades of drought
After another dry year, the waterway that supplies 40 million people is parched as climate change upends the water cycle in the Southwest. Scientists say the only way forward is to rein in demands on the 1,450-mile long Colorado River’s water to match its decline.
Western states looking closely at water supplies, including some duck ponds in Colorado
Water supplies are so tight in the West that many states keep close watch over every creek, river, ditch and reservoir. A complex web of laws and rules makes sure water is put to use. To prevent any waste, Colorado has started cracking down on what may seem like a drop in the proverbial bucket.
Water speculation is ‘all the problems’ in one, Colorado group warns
Last year, Colorado lawmakers pointed a finger at what they consider a growing threat: speculative investments in water rights. Since then, a state work group has been examining the issue, and the process raises questions about how the West divvies up water.
Snowfall in the West indicates 20-year drought will persist and intensify
With temperatures rising and precipitation falling, it's likely drought conditions across the West will worsen.
Dry soils plague Colorado River Basin, absorbing runoff needed downstream
ASPEN, Colorado – The amount of moisture held in the ground can play a big role in how much water makes it down to rivers and reservoirs in the Colorado River Basin – and eventually into the pipes that feed homes and businesses.
Colorado River tribe aims to establish ‘one unified voice’ in policy talks
The Fort Yuma-Quechan Indian Tribe is situated at a nexus in the Colorado River Basin. The tribe is also at a policy nexus on the river. With irrigated agriculture part of the tribe’s past and present connection to the river, the Quechan tribe is intimately tied to future policies on the Colorado River. KUNC’s Luke Runyon interviewed the Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe’s president Jordan Joaquin to hear his perspective on future policy talks that will be with President Joe Biden's administration.
A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin.
A showdown is looming among the states that rely on the Colorado River for drinking and irrigation water. Negotiations are set to start on the river's future among worsening drought conditions.
Nevada farmers look to Australian water market as Southwest U.S. dries out
Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin is similar to the Colorado River Basin. Selling water is as easy as selling a couch on Craigslist.
