Creeping traffic. Strained schools. Dwindling water. Commuters are flocking to Elbert County for a little bit of country, but there isn't much country left.
The Hopi want one of the largest coal mines in North America to stop using their groundwater. If springs and wells dry up, their ancient culture may disappear.
The Animas-La Plata project is supposed to fulfill the government's promise to Colorado Utes. But tribal opponents worry it will leave the reservations high and dry.
ON THE FAR SIDE OF COUNTY LINE ROAD, DEVELOPMENT IS BOOMING--AND THE WATER LEVEL IS SINKING.WELL WISHERS DOUGLAS COUNTY IS RUNNING OUT OF GROUNDWATER--BUT ITS RIVER OF DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES IS FLOWING STRONG.