A significant majority of Americans living in the seven Colorado River Basin states—Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming—believe that addressing diminishing water supplies is a critical priority. According to a poll released on July 29, 2026, by the Walton Family Foundation in collaboration with Morning Consult, 86% of respondents consider drought impacts and water security an important challenge. This consensus highlights the urgent public demand for coordinated federal and state intervention to mitigate risks to drinking water, agriculture, and energy stability.

The survey indicates that residents want government officials at both levels to make water security a top agenda item. Specifically, 91% of adults in these states expect state officials to prioritize the issue, while 89% hold the same expectation for federal officials. Moira Mcdonald, Environment Program Director at the Walton Family Foundation, emphasized the long-term stakes, stating that decisions made now will shape life in the West for generations. She called for collaboration among basin states, the federal government, and Tribal Nations to invest in nature-based solutions that enhance river resilience.

Concerns about the tangible impacts of drought are widespread and severe. Respondents cited multiple threats associated with water scarcity, reflecting broad anxiety across economic and environmental sectors. The following table details the specific concerns raised by respondents:

Public support extends to specific policy solutions, with strong bipartisan backing for four key approaches to protecting the river. Restoring wetlands and floodplains received 87% support, with 57% strongly supporting the measure. Boosting municipal water conservation and reuse garnered 88% support, while increasing agricultural efficiency to reduce water use also saw 87% support. Improving forest management to limit wildfire damage was supported by 87% of respondents, with 55% expressing strong support.

Beyond specific interventions, residents identified broader strategic priorities for government action. Reducing the impacts of wildfires, floods, and drought on water supplies was rated a top or important priority by 90% of respondents. Investing in water infrastructure and resilience strategies, including modernizing delivery systems, was prioritized by 89%. Preventing critically low reservoir levels and power supply risks was deemed important by 88%, as was helping farmers and ranchers adapt to hotter conditions while maintaining food production. Protecting rivers, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities followed closely with 86% support.

The poll was conducted between June 12-19, 2026, among a sample of 2,474 registered voters across the seven basin states. Interviews were conducted online, and data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, and party identification within each state. The Walton Family Foundation sponsored the project, noting that the results are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not support or oppose any political candidate or legislation.