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The seven states in the Colorado River basin couldn't agree on a plan to conserve unprecedented amounts of water before a federal deadline. Meanwhile, grim projections for the future of water levels in Lake Mead have forced mandatory cuts to water for some users in the lower basin. Federal authorities are trying to prop up levels in the nation's largest reservoir before they dip too low to generate hydropower or allow the passage of water.

Colorado River states fail to meet federal deadline on restricting water use

Arizona will lose 21% of its Colorado River allotment next year.
Lake Mead and the rest of the Colorado River system are shrinking rapidly. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has called for new conservation measures, asking states to conserve a tremendously large amount of water, and giving them a 60-day timeline to formulate a plan for those reductions.

More water cuts coming to Arizona

The federal Bureau of Reclamation has announced how much Colorado River water the state will give up.
Michelle Peters fills a glass with freshly desalinated ocean water at Poseidon Water's Carlsbad plant. Using reverse osmosis, the facility creates about 10% of San Diego County's freshwater supply.

The Southwest is running out of fresh water. Could the ocean provide a cure?

Arizona and other states are looking at the use of desalination plants.
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.

Deadline looms for drought-stricken states to cut water use

New cuts are expected on Tuesday.
Kenneth Skinner’s house sits on a hillside in north Phoenix on July 1, 2022. The home is constructed with expanded polystyrene foam and Sabscrete, a concrete mix developed by Strata International Group.

3D printing and foam: Arizona organizations make homes more sustainable

Using technology to make the home of the future.
A saguaro cactus in the Grand Canyon National Park is in full bloom, displaying beautiful pink flowers.

Arizona Spotlight for August 11th, 2022

Native plants return to Hermosillo's urban landscape; Tucsonan John Rhodes tells about his family's rodeo history; Meet the new CEO of The Western National Parks Association; and a short story by Aurelie Sheehan.
Oak Flat, east of Superior, Arizona. A company proposes to build one of the world's largest underground copper mines at this location.

Conservationists file notice of intent to sue EPA over Queen Creek mining waste

The groups also take aim at the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Patagonia Lake State Park.

State issues mercury warning for some fish caught in Patagonia Lake

The warning only applies to eating Flathead Catfish.
Oak Flat, near where a copper mine is proposed, is dotted with rugged boulders and desert vegetation.

Fight over Resolution Copper Mine drags on

Both sides expect the fight to continue
A canal carries water from the Colorado River to tribal land in Arizona.

Tribes in the Colorado River basin say they're 'in the dark' as states discuss water conservation

The complaint comes as Colorado River water users are trying to come up with a new sharing plan.

Supreme Court ruling against EPA hurts, may not hobble clean air in Arizona

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes money to combat climate change.
Black-footed ferrets born at the Phoenix Zoo.

5 litters of endangered black-footed ferrets born at Phoenix Zoo

The ferrets are some of the most endangered animals in North America.
Charcoal drawing by Michael Moore: Creek Oregon 30x40 1974

Artist Michael Moore and the natural world in charcoal.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit a nearly century-old bowling alley in a Mexican mining town; find out why an open mic night in Sierra Vista has a dedicated audience; and Nichelle Nichols remembered.
Statue of the short-faced bear at Lubbock Lake Landmark, a natural history museum in Lubbock, Texas.

"Chasing the Ghost Bear: On the Trail of America’s Lost Super Beast" with author Mike Stark.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Rodeo champion Sherry Cervi honored with Marana street names; and actor Jon Proudstar talks about "Reservation Dogs" as season 2 arrives.
A measurement gage at Lees Ferry in Arizona is the location where Colorado River water deliveries from the Upper Basin are legally accounted.

Upper Colorado River leaders push back against federal ask for conservation

Mounting pressure to find solutions has Upper Basin leaders saying the savings should come from elsewhere
An area burned by the Bighorn Fire in the Santa Catalina mountains.

National forests with wildfire damage to get Infrastructure Act funds

The money will go towards reforestation

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