The river that built the American West has run out of time. But the resourcefulness that built the American West is far from running dry. This report examines the biggest challenges to the Colorado River Basin, based on interviews with subject matter experts, reviews of scientific and news articles, and data provided by the Water Resilience Coalition. It also addresses the most promising strategies to mitigate them. Drawing on recent research and insights about ecology, water management and technology, it looks past the zerosum game of fighting over water allocations, and zeroes in on the emerging methods to keep the river running, together.
A Morning Consult poll for the Walton Family Foundation finds that the vast majority of Arizonans are concerned about future groundwater and Colorado River water supplies. They support dedicated funding for resilience and conservation projects. More than 91% are concerned about the Colorado River’s ability to continue providing needed water supplies to Arizona, the survey found.
Washington, D.C., June 23, 2025 - A poll released today by Morning Consult on behalf of the Walton Family Foundation shows that future water supplies from groundwater and the Colorado River are a top concern and that Arizonans want to see dedicated funding for water resilience and conservation projects.
Maintaining a healthy Colorado River is essential to ensuring clean and reliable water supplies in the West and protecting critical ecosystems. But for decades, we have taken more water from the river than it can afford to give. This report outlines examples of nature-based solutions and conservation projects that can help us better anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate change impacts.
