Become Part of the Flow

Yin and Yang

Grand Staircase National Monument, UT

The average American uses 60 to 80 gallons of water per day. The 40 million people living in the Colorado River basin consume over 3 trillion gallons of water per day. Humans cannot make this water. To ensure the river’s vitality, now and in the future, we must responsibly tap into the water nature provides to us. It takes just one person, one action to keep the Colorado River flowing.

Here are ways you can stay in the current and make water a more meaningful part of your life:

  • Learn more about “The Current Flows” exhibition: Visit the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center (www.sdc-arts.org) from June 4, 2021 -January 16, 2022. Review the exhibition catalogue—order a signed copy at www.analemmapress.com/order-books

  • Learn about the Colorado River watershed: Read about the history, ecology, and adventures others have experienced in the Colorado River watershed. Visit for recommended books about the area at www.thecurrentflows\recommended-reading

  • Get to know one river, any river: Get your feet wet by wading into a stream near your home. Join a commercial or private rafting trip on a river within the Colorado River watershed or elsewhere. Join Colleen’s annual single-boat private photography charter: www.colleenminiuk.com/2024grandcanyonraft. Or find an outfitter at www.thecurrentflows.com\river-outfitters

  • Eat local: Purchase your food from local farmers and growers to reduce transportation demands for oil and gas.

  • Be mindful of your consumption: Calculate your water footprint at www.watercalculator.com. Reduce your intake of beef. Install low-flow, energy efficient appliances and solar panels. Turn lights off in rooms when not in use. Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth and washing dishes. Use xeriscaping when landscaping your yard. Consider water catchments to collect rainwater.

  • Support the cause: Become a member of non-profit organizations like American Rivers, Audubon, Friends of the Yampa, etc. (see a list of water-focused organizations at www.thecurrentflows.com\water-organizations). Volunteer your time on river clean-up events.

  • Get involved: Talk with your local officials about water conservation projects in your community. Stay abreast of federal legislation. Make your voice heard: vote.