Welcome back to The Runoff, where Aspen Journalism’s Water Desk provides insider news and water-related updates you won’t read anywhere else, with additional context and updates on our most recent reporting. Thanks for going deeper with us and for supporting our nonprofit, in-depth, investigative reporting. – Heather SackettWater Desk Editor and ReporterAspen Journalism MOU lays […]
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
Extended Shoshone hydro plant outages add urgency to water rights campaign
When the Shoshone plant is offline, the instream flow right would be activated to continue pulling water downstream, making ShOP obsolete and solidifying a critical water right for the Western Slope.
Posted inWater
Groups continue working on Crystal River protections
Subcommittee members said better understanding how that would play out in the Crystal River basin will require more work.
Posted inWater
Lincoln Creek workgroup has decisions to make
The memo encouraged the workgroup to look into either acquiring the Ruby Mine, which is located just upstream from the mineralized tributary, or developing a working relationship with the current owner so that the mine could be used to improve water quality.
Posted inThe Roundup newsletter
The Roundup | Water myths busted, tribal water trials
Five newsrooms unpack five water myths Recently at Aspen Journalism, we published a story explaining one of Colorado’s most famous water law doctrines: use it or lose it. This concept looms large not only in the minds of water users, but also the general public. It’s probably one of the best-known water adages, shorthand for […]
Posted inWater
Feds rule that next round of drought relief funding won’t cover tribes’ unused water
Forbearance underscores the tension between the basin’s need to live with less water and the tribes’ need to benefit from their water rights.
Posted inWater
Colorado’s water users are told ‘use it or lose it.’ But is the threat real?
Although the concept of abandonment may loom large in the minds of water users, only a tiny percentage of water rights ends up on the abandonment list every 10 years, and it’s rare for the state to formally abandon a water right.
Posted inWater
New SNOTEL to help Aspen’s water planning
Perhaps most importantly, SNOTEL data helps scientists understand climate change impacts to water supply and predict how much water will be available come spring.
Posted inWater
Aspen proposes second turbine for Ruedi hydro plant
Releases out of Ruedi have changed since the hydro plant began operating, with the reservoir now one of the most important sources of water for the Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program.
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Grand Valley water managers have plan to outmuscle invasive species
If these aquatic invasive species become established, it could be disastrous for the region’s farms, vineyards, orchards and Colorado’s famous Palisade peaches.