Morning Consult poll demonstrates that Americans in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming want to see both state and federal officials prioritize water security in the Colorado River Basin

A new Morning Consult poll commissioned by the Walton Family Foundation finds that Americans across the Colorado River Basin are deeply concerned about the impacts of drought and strongly support action to protect the region's water future. Nearly 9 in 10 voters are concerned about risks including wildfires, threats to clean drinking water and declining water levels in the Colorado River. Most also say addressing these challenges is an important personal priority and believe federal and state leaders should make water security a priority this year.

Ultramarathoner and global water activist Mina Guli takes on her biggest challenge yet—the Colorado River

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.

The decisions we make about the Colorado River now will shape life in the West for generations to come

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.

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.

Nature-based solutions such as beaver dam analogs and alternative forage crops can help ensure safe, secure and resilient water sources in the West.

In southern Arizona, the Cocopah Indian Tribe is reconnecting with its roots by bringing neglected stretches of the river’s floodplain back to life

Could the world’s second largest rodent really be one of our greatest partners in climate resilience? Emily Fairfax says the answer is emphatically yes

Researcher Emily Fairfax created this video to demonstrate how beavers can help protect wetlands and forests from fire. Beaver dams build climate resiliency by slowing water down and storing it in their ponds and the surrounding riparian area. Their wetlands are uniquely resistant to disturbances like droughts and fire.

As Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Lorelei Cloud is elevating the voices of Tribal communities and Tribal women in water decisions in Colorado.

Environment Program Director Moira Mcdonald introduces a new Walton Family Foundation storytelling series, The Ripple Effect, featuring women who are leading the way in protecting water resources in the face of climate change.

A new round of funding will support projects that focus on both water conservation and nature-based solutions to protect the river's future

Companies are working with conservation groups to create healthier streams and wetlands, reduce wildfire risk and improve water delivery to communities

One year after the Sackett decision, our rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands are at risk. Here’s how we can ensure decades of progress on clean water are not lost