Colorado River

Several environmental groups want the federal government to curb water waste in the Lower Basin states of California, Arizona and Nevada.

The move by the Colorado River Indian Tribes in Arizona and California would give rights of nature to the water, marking a historic first.

The announcement Friday by federal officials means Arizona will again go without 18% of its allocation, while Mexico loses 5%. The reduction for Nevada will stay at 7%

Tamarisk trees are a scourge on riverside ecosystems across southern Utah. Scientists hope their natural enemies, tamarisk beetles, can help local ecosystems fight back.

The Southwest megadrought that began in 2000 could continue until 2050 or maybe even the end of the century. That would mean tough choices for Utah and the Colorado River Basin.

Between dams, diversions and a changing climate, the Colorado River doesn’t flow like it used to. Now, scientists and conservationists in Utah are working to give cottonwood trees a better chance.

Back in February, Amy Haas, executive director of the Colorado River Authority of Utah, said it would be "folly" for the seven Colorado River states to take their negotiations to court.

Colorado River states appear to be coalescing around the early makings of a new plan to share water in a way that accounts for climate change.

Cooke is the former manager of the Central Arizona Project. Regional water experts regard him as a qualified expert.

Water experts opened June by gathering at the University of Colorado, Boulder, for talks about the future of the Colorado River. Top policymakers were notably absent.

The basin has lost 27.8 million acre-feet of groundwater since 2003. That's roughly the volume of Lake Mead, the nation's largest reservoir.

Top water negotiators declined to speak at an upcoming conference amid closed-door meetings about the future of the water supply for 40 million people.