water conservation

The town hall live-streamed from Grand Junction, Colorado, on Aug. 19. PBS News science correspondent Miles O'Brien and guests explored what comes next for the Colorado River.

A new commissioner and a new agriculture water leasing initiative could be the answer to bringing the Great Salt Lake out of its disastrous state.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation proposal announced Friday spares Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming from facing mandatory water cuts — for now.

Environmental advocates argue that new water-sharing rules can and should keep the river flowing for plants, animals, people and infrastructure.

The Cowboy State is in the early stages of launching a voluntary water conservation program, but it has no money to pay applicants yet. Utah's paid conservation program launched in 2025 using state money.

Salt Lake City’s municipal golf courses are on track to generate $2.2 million more in revenue this year. The surge in Utah golf rounds will help fund upgrades with less taxpayer support.

A new proposal for sharing Colorado River water would bring negotiators together every couple of years. That could create uncertainty and get in the way of big solutions for the future.

In fast-growing southwest Utah, water conservation is vital. But for people in neighborhoods with a homeowners association, ditching grass lawns can be tricky.

Despite this week’s rain and cold front, drought continues to hold Utah in its grip. That has water districts considering mandatory reductions this summer.

“We're just trying to be proactive,” said one Carbon County farmer. “Hopefully, we can make some kind of difference in the big picture.”

Around half of Utah’s counties have met their 2030 conservation goals. Taking a closer look at who is succeeding and struggling offers a glimpse of why it’s hard to save water in Utah.

Utah and the 6 states that share the river missed a federal Nov. 11 deadline to make progress on a new water agreement. Gov. Katie Hobbs said she has a hard time believing the Upper Basin states can't reduce water use.