Stories - AZPM

Water levels in Lake Powell are dipping dangerously close to "dead pool," at which point it becomes impossible to generate hydropower at the Glen Canyon dam. Experts think the reservoir could reach those levels within a year.

Hydropower customers could pay extra fees

Federal law requires fees be paid whether or not dams are generating power.

Gov. Ducey's desalination plant proposal is designed to relieve pressure on water supplied by Lake Mead.

Tucson willing to give up some Colorado River water

The Mayor and Council are looking at how to take stress off Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

Longfin Dace

For the first time in 110 years, the longfin dace will swim in the waters of downtown Tucson.

Snow hangs in Colorado's Elk Mountains in May 2022. The Colorado River gets the majority of its water from high-altitude snowpack, and climate scientists say it's likely that less water than normal will make it into rivers and streams.

For this summer's water forecast, climate experts are looking back to winter

Snow is the key to water in Arizona and other the Colorado River Basin states.

Many Southern Arizona residents employ water-saving techniques, like rainwater harvest.

Making the most of water in Tucson

As the monsoon approaches, The Buzz focuses on rainwater harvesting.

Voters in Willcox Basin will decide water management future of the area in November

The Cochise County Elections Department certified that the county-based group Arizona Water Defenders collected enough signatures for a ballot measure.

Water levels in Lake Powell, seen here in May 2021, are dipping dangerously low. The federal government has proposed an unprecedented plan to cut back on water supplies for Arizona, Nevada and California. The measure aims to keep water levels high enough to generate hydropower at the Glen Canyon Dam.

Federal government rolls out ‘extraordinary actions’ to prop up Lake Powell

Water levels in Lake Powell are the lowest they have ever been and still dropping.

Sahuarita to partner with growing water management company

The mayor and council decided against using eminent domain to block the company from acquiring infrastructure in town.

Colorado River basin give approval to proposed water cutbacks

The plan would cut flows to Arizona, Nevada and California by 480,000 acre-feet, enough water to supply more than half a million homes for a year.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir stores water in Wyoming and Utah.

Amid dropping water levels in Lake Powell, another ‘short-term fix’ is on the way

Upper Colorado River Basis states reach a deal.

Ducey desalination proposal carries hefty price tag

Experts think it will cost $60 million a year to operate.

Lake Powell is critically low, and still shrinking. Here’s what happens next

The future of the reservoir is largely uncertain, but climate science and recent actions by the government are providing some hints as to what might happen in the near future.

The late-afternoon sun on Lake Powell, April 2018.

Interior Department considers emergency cutbacks to water supplies

Reductions would be felt most sharply in Central Arizona.

A group walks through the desert from Punta Chueca toward Saaps, where the Comcaac Nation held a historic gathering to demand water on March 27, 2021.

Comcaac Nation in Sonora renews historic march to ancestral site

An Indigenous nation in Sonora held a historic gathering last year to demand water for their communities on the Sea of Cortez. Now, they’re meeting again. This time in honor of their ancestors.

Judge rejects arbitration for Tucson water rate dispute

The county is suing to reverse the rate increase, claiming it is discriminatory.

U.S. Senate committee hears 2 bills on tribal water rights in Arizona

CRIT Chairwoman Amelia Flores said her tribe has already helped to stave off the effects of a historic drought by fallowing its fields and taking other measures.

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