Colo. River tops list of endangered waterways

The Colorado River, the Southwest's troubled lifeblood, tops an environmental group's endangered-rivers list for the third time in 23 years.

Another low-runoff year may herald CAP shortage

The Central Arizona Project - this section is in Avra Valley - carries Colorado River water from Lake Mead toward Tucson. Officials say there is a 35 percent chance of the first CAP water shortage in history in 2016.

Another low-runoff year may herald CAP shortage

Another year of very low precipitation and snowpack in the Rocky Mountains has spurred another year of low runoff on the Colorado River - the 10th such year out of the past 14.

Snowmelt makes for what may be short-lived spectacle

Charlotte Calhoun, left, and her brother, Colten, scout for interesting rocks in one of Sabino Canyon's clear pools. The children, from Coldwater, Mich., were in the canyon Tuesday - a good time to see the creek flow.

Snowmelt makes for what may be short-lived spectacle

The flow was strong enough Sunday to send water over the Sabino Dam, where some visitors were able to enjoy the sight and sound.

Snowmelt makes for what may be short-lived spectacle

Sabino Creek, which was bone-dry for months due to an ongoing drought, is flowing again, thanks to runoff from melting snow in the Catalina Mountains.

2012 was hottest year on record in US

WASHINGTON — America set an off-the-charts heat record in 2012.

'12 in a dead heat for hottest year in Tucson records

Despite several gully washers during the rainy season, Tucson received only 7.66 inches of rainfall this year, which is one reason for the heat.

'12 in a dead heat for hottest year in Tucson records

We're all too familiar with heat in these parts - but now we must warm up to the idea that 2012 is likely to tie the mark for the hottest year on record in Tucson.

Tucson rainfall 3.74 inches below normal

Into each life some rain must fall - unless you've been living in Tucson in recent months.

Drought drives ranchers to steal hay to feed cattle

Cattle graze on a ranch outside of Encino, N.M. With the drought drying out grazing land and driving up hay prices, authorities say some ranchers have resorted to cutting neighbors' fences and stealing hay.

Drought drives ranchers to steal hay to feed cattle

VAUGHN, N.M. - Petty crime and burglaries aren't unusual in New Mexico's isolated Guadalupe County, but lately Sheriff Michael Lucero has seen thieves steal something a bit unexpected: grass.

Feed costs spur big pig slaughter; pork price low now but will rise in '13

There's a good chance these pigs are on their way to the slaughterhouse. Crop damage from the worst U.S. drought since 1956 sent corn prices surging to a record last month and may mean losses of about $44 a head for hog farmers in the fourth quarter, the most since 1998, Purdue University es…

Feed costs spur big pig slaughter; pork price low now but will rise in '13

Hog farmers are slaughtering animals at the fastest pace since 2009 as a surge in feed costs spurs the biggest losses in 14 years, signaling smaller herds next year and a rebound in pork prices.

Arizonans get IRS relief on drought-forced livestock sales

Arizona farmers and ranchers who previously were forced to sell livestock due to drought have an extra year in which to replace the livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.

USDA's meat buy of $170M aims to aid struggling farmers

WASHINGTON - The government will buy up to $170 million worth of pork, lamb, chicken and catfish to help drought-stricken farmers, the White House said Monday.

Agua Caliente rebound just temporary

Monsoon rains have briefly turned the tide at drought-diminished Agua Caliente Park - bolstering the park's main pond and creating a few shallow pools in a second pond that had all but dried up in April.

Tucson monsoon: Despite rain, drought persists

Monsoon's rainy first month brought rain, lightning and cooler temps, but severe-to-extreme drought remains a concern in 94 percent of Arizona.

Test run on Yuma desalination plant a success

One of the potential solutions to drought in the Colorado River basin - a major test of desalination - was an environmental and economic success, UA researchers and U.S. officials said this week.

Test run on water plant a success

Sonoran Institute staff member Bernabe Rico Hurtado downloads data from instruments that record the water level and quality at the Cienega de Santa Clara in northern Sonora in this undated photograph.