The popular recreation hot spot on the Arizona-Utah border has dwindled over the past 21 years due to low river flows exacerbated by warming temperatures.
About Luke Runyon
As KUNC’s reporter covering the Colorado River Basin, Luke digs into stories that show how water issues can both unite and divide communities throughout the Western U.S.
Recent Stories by Luke Runyon
After Decades Of Warming And Drying, The Colorado River Struggles To Water The West
Shortage declarations and restrictions are likely to go into effect in the Southwest in the coming months.
For Western Drinking Water, Wildfire Concerns Linger Long After Smoke Clears
Another record-breaking year of wildfires across the American West means more cities are bracing for impacts to their drinking water supplies. The “consistently clean, clear water” residents have enjoyed is changing.
New Survey Explores Americans’ Relationship to Water
People’s personal connections to water and where they live determine how they feel about taking action on water issues, the survey found.
As Western Coal Plants Close, Newly ‘Liberated’ Water Supply Emerges
Coal-fired power plants are closing, or being given firm deadlines for closure, across the country. In the Western states that make up the over-allocated...
Climate Change, and Our Response to it, is Making Life Hard for Desert Tortoises
Every time thick, dark rain clouds move over the deserts that surround Las Vegas, there’s an anticipatory buzz. Flora and fauna alike begin preparing for...
Water Managers Pause Colorado River Negotiations After Drawing Short-Term Drought Plans
With short-term drought plans finished, water managers from across the Southwest recently gathered in Las Vegas to figure out what’s next. The Colorado...
As Winter Approaches, All Eyes Turn Toward Rocky Mountain Snowpack
The West’s water security is wrapped up in snow. When it melts, it becomes drinking and irrigation water for millions throughout the region. A high...
