Water and environmental news

The seven states in the Colorado River basin couldn't agree on a plan to conserve unprecedented amounts of water before a federal deadline. Meanwhile, grim projections for the future of water levels in Lake Mead have forced mandatory cuts to water for some users in the lower basin. Federal authorities are trying to prop up levels in the nation's largest reservoir before they dip too low to generate hydropower or allow the passage of water.

The Buzz: How will more Colorado River water cuts affect Southern Arizona?

Aug 26, 2022 Tucson's rights means municipal users aren't likely to feel the pinch, but the same can't be said for agriculture.

The Central Arizona Project canal north of Phoenix moves water from Lake Pleasant to southern Arizona. July 2021

Tucson keeps same water order despite drought

Aug 23, 2022 Kozachick urged council to "lead by example" and cut water order.

Lake Mead’s light-colored “bathtub ring” of mineral deposits towers above a speeding boat on June 29, 2022, near Hoover Dam.

No firm new deadline for Colorado River basin states’ conservation plans

Aug 22, 2022 The seven states that rely on the river blew past an August 16 deadline without a plan to conserve 2 to 4 million acre-feet of water.

Granados’ beloved dog Thor — named for the Norse god of agriculture and thunder — heads towards the vermicompost area of the ranch. There, Granados’ California red worms create the compost he uses to augment the soil.

The water diplomats

Aug 22, 2022 Many communities along the U.S.-Mexico border share aquifers, and that works better for some states and cities than others. In this collaboration with the Texas Water Resources Institute, we compare how those relationships work in Texas and Arizona.

Glen Canyon Dam holds back Lake Powell, the nation's second-largest reservoir on the Colorado River. The lake is currently at 28% of its capacity.

Tucson Water plans for future

Aug 17, 2022 The utility held a town hall after Colorado River cuts announced.

Oil spill stopped from reaching tributary on Navajo Nation

Aug 17, 2022 Up to 80 barrels of brine water were released.

The seven states in the Colorado River basin couldn't agree on a plan to conserve unprecedented amounts of water before a federal deadline. Meanwhile, grim projections for the future of water levels in Lake Mead have forced mandatory cuts to water for some users in the lower basin. Federal authorities are trying to prop up levels in the nation's largest reservoir before they dip too low to generate hydropower or allow the passage of water.

Colorado River states fail to meet federal deadline on restricting water use

Aug 16, 2022 Arizona will lose 21% of its Colorado River allotment next year.

Lake Mead and the rest of the Colorado River system are shrinking rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has called for new conservation measures, asking states to conserve a tremendously large amount of water, and giving them a 60-day timeline to formulate a plan for those reductions.

More water cuts coming to Arizona

Aug 16, 2022 The federal Bureau of Reclamation has announced how much Colorado River water the state will give up.

Michelle Peters fills a glass with freshly desalinated ocean water at Poseidon Water's Carlsbad plant. Using reverse osmosis, the facility creates about 10% of San Diego County's freshwater supply.

The Southwest is running out of fresh water. Could the ocean provide a cure?

Aug 16, 2022 Arizona and other states are looking at the use of desalination plants.

Water levels in Lake Powell, seen here in May 2021, are dipping dangerously low. The federal government has proposed an unprecedented plan to cut back on water supplies for Arizona, Nevada and California. The measure aims to keep water levels high enough to generate hydropower at the Glen Canyon Dam.

Deadline looms for drought-stricken states to cut water use

Aug 15, 2022 New cuts are expected on Tuesday.

Kenneth Skinner’s house sits on a hillside in north Phoenix on July 1, 2022. The home is constructed with expanded polystyrene foam and Sabscrete, a concrete mix developed by Strata International Group.

3D printing and foam: Arizona organizations make homes more sustainable

Aug 14, 2022 Using technology to make the home of the future.

Oak Flat, east of Superior, Arizona. A company proposes to build one of the world's largest underground copper mines at this location.

Conservationists file notice of intent to sue EPA over Queen Creek mining waste

Aug 10, 2022 The groups also take aim at the state Department of Environmental Quality.

Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Patagonia Lake State Park.

State issues mercury warning for some fish caught in Patagonia Lake

Aug 10, 2022 The warning only applies to eating Flathead Catfish.

Oak Flat, near where a copper mine is proposed, is dotted with rugged boulders and desert vegetation.

Fight over Resolution Copper Mine drags on

Aug 8, 2022 Both sides expect the fight to continue

A canal carries water from the Colorado River to tribal land in Arizona.

Tribes in the Colorado River basin say they're 'in the dark' as states discuss water conservation

Aug 8, 2022 The complaint comes as Colorado River water users are trying to come up with a new sharing plan.

Raquel Fregoso in her Tucson garden. The organization SERI installed her rainwater harvesting system, which includes a big, green cistern on the side of her house.

Strong sense of place

Aug 8, 2022 Tucson made big changes that had big impacts on its water consumption.

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