The Colorado River provides water and power supplies to nearly 40 million people in seven states. A healthy Colorado River Basin is essential to ensuring the American West has enough water to sustain a growing population and the region's natural and working lands.

Climate change is ushering in a hotter and drier reality. Colorado River water levels have declined sharply. This threatens the river’s future. The foundation is working to find a pathway through coming water shortages to create stable and sustainable water supplies.

We are increasing efforts to get more water into the Colorado River and its tributaries using nature-based solutions. These solutions protect, restore, conserve and sustainably manage water systems. By working with nature, we can build healthier watersheds and adapt to climate change.

Success will require collaboration. It requires a commitment to long-term solutions that help people and nature thrive together. We partner with local communities. With tribal leaders. With farmers. With ranchers. And with others impacted by the water crisis.

We are helping build diverse coalitions. And we are elevating communities that deserve a greater voice in water decisions. Their ideas will help secure a stable water future for the benefit of people and nature.

The foundation promotes healthy watersheds and improving and protecting flows within the Colorado River Basin. We:

• Elevate the voices of those most affected by water policies. We will include them in crafting policies that strengthen the environment and economies in their communities.

• Work with on-the-ground partners to support nature-based solutions and innovative farming and ranching practices.

• Bolster sustainable agriculture in the Colorado River Basin. We'll support communities using market demand for sustainably produced products to improve how farms and ranches work.

Americans want to come together to protect water, communities and nature.

• 3 in 5 voters say drought, increased temperatures, wildfires, extreme weather and flooding are a product of climate change’s effect on water.
  
• A majority agrees climate change will alter important aspects of life in the U.S. like agriculture, water and the economy.
  
• 1 in 4 Americans believe their state will not have enough water during their grandchildren’s lifetimes.