When the river runs strong America thrives

From farms, cities and tribal nations to data centers and supply chains, the Colorado River powers life and economies across the American West and beyond. It supports 40 million people, 16 million jobs and $1.4 trillion in economic activity.

But the system that keeps it flowing is under pressure and the river is now at breaking point. Not because of a lack of solutions, but because of a lack of awareness, alignment and action.

In 2026, Mina Guli is running the length of the Colorado River, bringing people together and turning awareness into action. This is not just about protecting a river; it’s about investing in the engine that America depends on.

And you can be part of it.

2,000
miles of running

Follow Mina’s adventure from high in the Rocky Mountains all the way to California.

6
runs with Mina

Join Mina for a run and be part of this epic journey to keep the river running.

4
summits

Explore our leadership summits, where decision-makers turn shared insights into real momentum and action.

Running for water

Right now, ultra-runner and water advocate Mina Guli is running 2,000 miles along the Colorado River, driving action to protect one of the most vital rivers in the American West. Discover why. Right now, ultra-runner and water advocate Mina Guli is running 2,000 miles along the Colorado River, driving action to protect one of the most vital rivers in the American West. Discover why.

Supporting Mina
every step of the way

It takes more than one runner to go the distance. Behind Mina Guli is a team of partners working to drive the necessary conversations, collaborations and solutions to secure the future of the Colorado River.

The State of the Basin Report

Providing the shared evidence base for this initiative, the State of the Basin Report explains the Colorado River’s challenges, highlighting where collective action can make the biggest impact.

A shared commitment and a collective effort

Years of drought, overuse and aging infrastructure have pushed the Colorado River to a breaking point.

Across sectors and communities, there is a shared recognition that collective action and significant investments in stronger, more resilient water systems and a healthier river basin are essential to secure the future of this critical lifeline.

Technological solutions play an important role in reducing water use and improving efficiency, while nature-based solutions help strengthen resilience across the basin. But no single organization can meet this challenge alone.

Protecting and maintaining a $1.4 trillion¹ economic engine demands shared responsibility and shared investment.

And that’s exactly why this project is about bringing people together and moving from intent to action.

¹Tim James, Dr. Anthony Evans, Eva Madly, and Cary Kelly. “The economic importance of the Colorado river to the basin region”. Arizona: Arizona State University

The moment to invest is now

With drought agreements expiring in 2026, the US faces a defining moment. What happens next will determine whether the river continues to be a driver of American growth or becomes a risk.

Without action, the pressure on the river will only intensify. It’s time to turn this risk into an opportunity for action. To rethink how we manage water. To invest in smarter, more resilient systems. And to shape the future of communities across the American West.

But the scale of the challenge is greater than any one solution or organization. It demands a collective approach.

This is an invitation to join forces and invest in human and natural infrastructure, innovation and collaboration. Because it’s the only way to keep the river – and the economy it supports – running.

Turning ambition into action

Explore real-world examples of how collaboration can turn good intentions into impact, and see what’s possible when we work together.

Get in touch

Want to learn more, collaborate or spread the word about the Colorado River initiative? For press enquiries, interviews or additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thirst Foundation

Harper Mahood 

PR & Media Manager

Whatsapp: +1 (503) 853-9516
E-mail: media@thirstfoundation.com

Grundfos

John Mone

Press Officer USA

Mobile phone: (+1) 34680 71579
E-mail: jmone@grundfos.com