THE GOAL
To investigate and illuminate the escalating crisis facing the Colorado River—a vital water source for over 35 million people and 5 million acres of farmland across the American Southwest and Mexico. The series aims to explore the causes and consequences of the river’s decline, including chronic overuse, prolonged drought, and climate change, and to examine the implications for communities, ecosystems, and future water management strategies.
HOW?
The Los Angeles Times produced a comprehensive six-part podcast series as part of its broader Colorado River in Crisis multimedia project. Hosted by Gustavo Arellano, with reporting from water journalist Ian James and others, the series combines field reporting, expert interviews, and on-the-ground narratives. Journalists traveled throughout the river’s watershed—from the Rocky Mountains to the dry delta in Mexico—to document the river’s challenges and the efforts to address them. Each episode focuses on a specific aspect of the crisis.
RESULTS
The podcast series offers an in-depth examination of the multifaceted crisis affecting the Colorado River. It brings to light the complex interplay between environmental factors and human activities, such as agriculture, urban development, and historical water rights allocations. The series also sheds light on the voices of those directly impacted, including Indigenous communities, farmers, and residents of the Southwest. By presenting these narratives, the series underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management and policy reforms to address the challenges facing the Colorado River basin.
