Emma Penrod is an independent journalist based in rural Utah who covers science, energy, agriculture and environmental health, with a particular emphasis on water and water quality in the Western United States. For additional water coverage, follow @EmaPen on Twitter or visit pactio.us/host/emma-penrod. https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/contributor/emma-penrod/rss en Agriculture American West Climate & Weather Management & Supply Mon, 13 Aug 2018 03:00:00 +0000 Emma Penrod https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/13/drought-forces-hard-choices-for-farmers-and-ranchers-in-the-southwest https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/08/13/drought-forces-hard-choices-for-farmers-and-ranchers-in-the-southwest Large reservoirs have buffered urban areas in the Southwest from the worst of the year’s dry conditions, but rural farmers and ranchers are bearing the brunt of water shortages and the economic fallout. Agriculture American West Environment & Wildlife Management & Supply Thu, 05 Jul 2018 03:50:00 +0000 Emma Penrod https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/05/the-tri-state-compact-that-could-destroy-the-great-salt-lake https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2018/07/05/the-tri-state-compact-that-could-destroy-the-great-salt-lake An agreement signed in 1958 and amended in 1980 divvies up the Bear River between Wyoming, Utah and Idaho. If the states find a way to use all their allotted water, the Great Salt Lake could turn into toxic dust.