But even though things on the whole are better than the previous two years, the lingering effects of drought means reservoirs are depleted and may take several seasons to rebound.
Author Archives: Heather Sackett
Heather Sackett is the managing editor at Aspen Journalism and the editor and reporter on the Water Desk. She has also reported for The Denver Post and the Telluride Daily Planet. Heather has a master’s degree from CU’s Center for Environmental Journalism and her reporting has been recognized by the Colorado Press Association.
Posted inWater
Glenwood Springs secures water right for whitewater parks
Cities have long dictated water policy, even as river recreation represents a growing segment of the state’s economy.
Posted inThe Roundup
The Roundup | Ruedi water managers awaiting ‘April hole’
Will spring runoff be enough to fill a depleted Ruedi Reservoir?
Posted inWater
Ruedi Reservoir at lowest level in two decades
Something that may influence if and how Ruedi fills this year is a phenomenon called the “April hole.”
Posted inThe Runoff
The Runoff | A huge expanse of irrigated land
News briefs not to be missed and a recap of the state’s best reporting on water policy.
Posted inWater
Lake Powell to dip below target elevation
As this angered some in Colorado, and the amount of water is proving to be the proverbial drop in the bucket, questions of the impact of the releases and were they worth it generate debate.
Posted inWater
Turf replacement bill gains ground
The drafters of House Bill 1151 say it is aimed at efficient water use and would increase communities’ resilience to drought and climate change, reduce the sale of agriculture water rights to meet increased demand in cities, and protect river flows.
Posted inWater
Rancher grapples with abandonment listing
Some water rights holders may be reluctant to pare back the amount of their right, even if they can’t use all the water to which their decree entitles them on paper.
Posted inWater
Groups try again to secure water for recreation
The proposal is an attempt to carve out a spot for — and recognize the importance of — Colorado’s outdoor-recreation economy in the hierarchy of water uses, which prioritizes the oldest water rights, usually belonging to agriculture and cities.
Posted inWater
Kremmling rancher picked to replace Schwartz on state water board
Schwartz said that although it was an honor to hold the seat, she felt she couldn’t be as effective as she wanted in the position.