Troubled Waters: Colorado River Crisis
In-Depth Series this November
The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the Southwest. Without this massive river, the bustle of life and flourishing economy across Southern California would not be possible. But now, the river is in crisis due to years of overuse and human-driven climate change.
Morning anchor Angela Chen explores the impact on the Coachella Valley and our dependence on the water. In the “Troubled Waters: Colorado River Crisis” series, our team travels to Colorado and tracks the path of the river back to California, talking to water experts, environmentalists, farmers and more along the way to understand the impact of the Colorado River on the west and why we need to do something about the chronic overuse before it’s too late.
Watch the four-part series, with reports airing Wednesdays in November.
Nov. 1 – In part 1, “Into the Wild West,” dive into the history of the drying Colorado River, scrutinizing the past so we can understand how the nation is currently mired in its present controversy.
Nov. 8 – In part 2, “Water Rights,” find out why California is king when it comes to water rights on the Colorado River and the often fractious fights between states. See why the Coachella Valley is dependent on the river. Hear from Native Americans tribes who depend on the river.
Nov. 15 – In part 3, “On The Table,” look into the biggest possible impact of mandatory cutbacks on water use: our food.
Nov. 29 – In part 4, “River Rescue,” learn what’s already being done to use less water and possible solutions. Find out why states and the groups that rely on the water have a monumental task ahead of them when it comes to fixing the Colorado River crisis.
Our Journey Through the Colorado River
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Colorado River Headlines
Check Out News Channel 3's Emmy-Award Winning Series - Troubled Waters: The Salton Sea Project
Salton Sea Headlines
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A project aimed at restoring habitat surrounding the Salton Sea is expanding. The project, called the Species Habitat Conservation (SCH) Project, created a number of ponds and wetlands, which are important habitats for fish and birds. These wetlands also help reduce dust emissions, improving air quality surrounding the Salton Sea. The toxic dust that is
IID finalizes landmark agreement to raise Lake Mead by 10+ feet
The Imperial Irrigation District finalized a landmark conservation agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation that will build 10-12 feet of elevation at Lake Mead and conserve up to 700,000 acre-feet of water for the Colorado River. IID officials added that the agreement also unlocks a full federal investment of $250 million in Salton Sea
White Gold Rush: Companies look to 2026 for mass lithium production near Salton Sea
Things are moving fast in Lithium Valley, near the Salton Sea. If you drive along Highway 111 all the way down to the southern end of the Salton Sea, you’ll see your usual puffs of white steam, chugging up from the geothermal plants. But below those clouds, underneath these plants, some ground-breaking developments in the
‘Lithium Valley Clean Tech Hub Consortium’ receives $500K grant
The Economic Development Administration selected the Lithium Valley Clean Tech Hub Consortium as one of its grant recipients for the tech hub program. The grant is $500,000. Several different federal agencies will soon be coming together to hash out the details for what the tech hub will look like. Valley Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz says