Renegade rancher
40 million people rely on the Colorado River system for water and power. But after 20 years of drought, the river basin is running low. For the Water Desk,...
Upper Colorado River states add muscle as decisions loom on the shrinking river’s future
Upper basin states seek added leverage to protect their river shares amid difficult talks with California and the lower basin
Farmers weigh tough choices as uncertain water future looms
With unpredictable water resources, farmers in New Mexico must gamble in order to keep their agricultural production viable.
Colorado River states bought time with a 3-year water conservation deal – now they...
The May 2023 deal staves off an immediate water crisis but does not solve long-term problems in the Colorado River Basin.
Amid a withering drought, New Mexico leaders struggle to plan for life with less...
New Mexico faces tough choices as a dire and historic drought continues and the Rio Grande is unable to give everyone what they want or need.
It’s all white: Colorado statewide snowpack tops 140%, though reservoirs still low
Drought in the West persists, but the increase in snowpack will likely allow for a significant recovery in reservoirs and soil moisture.
The Colorado River drought crisis: 5 essential reads
Five articles from The Conversation’s archive explain what’s happening and what’s at stake in the Colorado River basin’s drought crisis.
Crop in the crosshairs
The federal government is trying to save the water supply for 40 million Americans. It has released three possible plans to protect the Colorado River Basin, which is facing...
Is the Western drought finally ending? That depends on where you look
Even a deep snowpack in the West likely won't be enough to end the drought.
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...