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Environment

Killing the Colorado

The Water Crisis in the West

The Colorado River is dying — the victim of legally sanctioned overuse, the relentless forces of urban growth, willful ignorance among policymakers and a misplaced confidence in human ingenuity. ProPublica investigates the policies that are putting this precious resource in peril.

23 stories published since 2015

A Water War Is Brewing Over the Dwindling Colorado River

As Colorado River Dries, the U.S. Teeters on the Brink of Larger Water Crisis

40 Million People Rely on the Colorado River. It’s Drying Up Fast.

California and EPA Poised to Expand Pollution of Potential Drinking Water Reserves

Gimme a Break! IRS Tax Loophole Can Reward Excessive Water Use in Drought-stricken West

Discovery TV to Air Film Inspired by Our Water Crisis Reporting

As One of Its Chief Sources of Water Dries Up, California Eases Restrictions on Use Nonetheless

Drought be Dammed

Liquid Assets

Former Las Vegas Water Czar Joins Board of Casino Giant

Amid Drought, California Experiments With Leasing Water Rights

How Much Water Does the West Really Have?

Less Than Zero

Picturing the Drought

California's Drought Is Part of a Much Bigger Water Crisis. Here's What You Need to Know

End of the Miracle Machines: Inside the Power Plant Fueling America's Drought

A Wonder in Decline

Use It or Lose It: Across the West, Exercising One’s Right to Waste Water

The ‘Water Witch’: Pat Mulroy Preached Conservation While Backing Growth in Las Vegas

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, While Water Supplies Last

Killing the Colorado: Explore the River

What You Need to Know About the Water Crisis in the West

Holy Crop: How Federal Dollars Are Financing the Water Crisis in the West

What We’re Watching

During Donald Trump’s second presidency, ProPublica will focus on the areas most in need of scrutiny. Here are some of the issues our reporters will be watching — and how to get in touch with them securely.

Learn more about our reporting team. We will continue to share our areas of interest as the news develops.

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Sharon Lerner

I cover health and the environment and the agencies that govern them, including the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Andy Kroll

I cover justice and the rule of law, including the Justice Department, U.S. attorneys and the courts.

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Melissa Sanchez

I report on immigration and labor, and I am based in Chicago.

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Jesse Coburn

I cover housing and transportation, including the companies working in those fields and the regulators overseeing them.

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