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Hydrologist Karl Wetlaufer with the Natural Resources Conservation Service holds a map showing Colorado's low snowpack on Jan. 9, 2018.

Climate Change is Making Droughts Worse In the Western US, Study Says

NASA scientist cites evidence of climate change's impact on drought likelihood, severity.
The Navajo Generating Station, April 2018.

New Bill Would Keep Navajo Coal Plant Open

A U.S. Congressman from Arizona plans to introduce legislation to keep the Navajo Generating Station open.
Drought conditions continue to worsen throughout the desert southwest. More than 68 percent of the Colorado River watershed is experiencing drought conditions classified as severe or worse.

Colorado River Forecast Worsens as Mountain Snow Starts to Melt

Tributaries in surrounding states are all projected to flow at below-average levels.
The late-afternoon sun on Lake Powell, April 2018.

Outlook for Colorado River This Year Remains Grim

April storms did not produce much snow to feed the Southwest's most vital river, agency says.
Water is released from Lake Mead outside Las Vegas through Hoover Dam. The reservoir's level is at the center of a dispute over water conservation between the river's Upper and Lower Basin states, February 18, 2018.

Western Water Managers Meet To Relieve Colorado River Tension

Issue not resolved, but officials expressed regret over how the conversation about water release practices has played out.
Coronado Farms, about 18 minutes south of Willcox milks 7.500 cows twice a day.

Rethinking Groundwater Use in Willcox

Some farmers respond as water levels drop in an area sustained economically by agriculture.
A teacher wears an Arizona Educators United shirt during a walk-in demonstration.

Walkout Vote; Paying for Raises; Willcox Water Concerns

Also, former UA Football Coach Dick Tomey reflects on the program's future.
Boulder Basin at Lake Mead.

Feud Erupts Between Central Arizona Project, US States Over Colorado River

The states are accusing CAP of manipulating supply and demand of the water.
View northeast from Arizona Falls along the Arizona Canal toward Camelback Mountain, in Phoenix.

Lifeblood of the Desert: Salt River Project Team Turns to ASU Robots to Maintain Canals

The infrastructure poses unique technical and personnel challenges, which could be made more efficient with robotics.
A Large Aperture Scintillometer stands beside a field planted with durum wheat.

Lifeblood of the Desert: Can Technology Solve Yuma's Water Woes?

Scientists hope cutting edge tech will allow farmers to zero in on water usage and efficiency.
The Santa Cruz River flows downstream of the outflow from the Agua Dulce wastewater treatment plant.

Students Celebrate Santa Cruz River with Poems and Art

Pima County's Living River of Words contest inspired by visits to flowing river.
"A" Mountain, or Sentinel Peak, stands above the dry riverbed of the Santa Cruz River near Tucson's birthplace. Feb. 22, 2018.

Lifeblood of the Desert: Restoration Brings New Life to Santa Cruz River

The river has supported four millennia of agriculture and growth in Tucson.
Tucson Water

Tucson Water Hosting Hearings On Proposed Rate Increases

If adopted by mayor and council, the changes would take effect in July.
Watering at a Yuma farm, 2014.

Yuma Residents to Lawmakers: Stop CAP From Stealing Water

Friday's listening session was the second in the state on proposed changes to water law.
Felis domesticus made it on the list of invasive species.

Feral Cats Make List of Invasive Species in the West

Salt Cedars, mussels and crayfish among the less cuddly pests listed.
Firefighters work to contain the Knob Hill Fire, February 2018.

Dry, Hot Winter Ending, Southwest Faces Dry, Hot Spring

Continued arid conditions forecasted by NOAA for the entire Southern Arizona, increasing fire risk.

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