About Us
The Off Grid Water Foundation was formed by a group of dedicated members of the San Luis Valley off-grid community who had their only water source unexpectedly and without warning cut off. After attending water board meetings, community forums, and county commission meetings, it was apparent, water, a sacred life source, was not considered the off-grid community’s legal right to have, and the community was now in a water crisis.
As a result, the community suffered great water insecurity, causing households to limit bathing, cleaning, toilet flushing and food providing gardens died. After meeting with Colorado water experts, researching viable community water sources, and water right legalities, our group of dedicated individuals met and decided that nobody else was going to fight to secure water rights for ourselves and our community, and that we would have to.
Board of Directors
Dudney Donovan
President
Dudney moved to the San Luis Valley in 2018 to live off-grid, bringing with him over 30 years of experience in water utility distribution, underground utilities, and construction. His background includes extensive work in excavation, driveway installation, and septic systems. As the owner and operator of Donovan Construction, he serves the local region with a deep understanding of both infrastructure and the unique challenges of off-grid living.
A devoted father and grandfather of ten, Dudney is deeply rooted in family and community. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with loved ones and lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed. During the regional water crisis, he developed the original vision for what would become the Off Grid Water Foundation.
Driven by a strong commitment to the well-being of the off-grid community, Dudney has emerged as a respected leader. Through both his business and his role as President of the Off Grid Water Foundation, he is dedicated to creating practical, lasting solutions for one of Colorado’s most underserved regions.
Debra Marks
Secretary
Debi has over 20 years’ experience as a paralegal in Florida and Colorado. During that time, she has assisted hundreds of people through some of their most difficult life moments.
Debi is passionate about her family, off-grid community, and the rights of others. Through
organization, dedication, research and level-headedness, she pushes to achieve Foundation and personal goals.
Debi and her husband previously lived in Florida for almost 30 years before moving to Colorado four years ago. They joke that they gave up beaches for mountains.
Outside of the Foundation,
she enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, traveling throughout Colorado,
crafting, and working on her up-and-coming off-grid homestead.
John Marks
Incorporator
For nearly 25 years, John led the training and development department for a software company dedicated solely to workforce development. In this capacity, he worked directly with U.S. State Departments of Labor to prepare workforce staff, nationwide, to manage federal, state, and local programs (i.e., SNAP) using the proprietary software.
John learned first-hand that people from all walks of life often struggle to obtain the necessary tools and resources that promote self-sufficiency and economic security.
John sees a similar struggle here in the off-grid community. During the summer of 2025, when the Fort Garland water district ended water service to our members, he experienced first-hand the panic and the sense of urgency that many feel when their livelihood and well being are threatened. From this experience his mission became clear: to help ensure that all Valley citizens have access to a most basic yet vital resource – water.
Amanda Ellis
Treasurer
Amanda is a homesteader, herbalist, and owner of Ecozoica Apothecary, an off-grid, wildcrafted herbal medicine business rooted in Southern Colorado.
She brings over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, web design, and business management to the Foundation. In addition, she boasts a diverse professional background grounded in a deep commitment to sustainability and conservation of Earth’s dwindling natural resources.
She originally hails from St. Louis and moved to the San Luis Valley in 2020 after living as a nomad on the road for many years. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, climbing, gardening, and learning more about the local flora.
Members
Ryan Williams
Good day all! My name is Ryan, and I’ll be your server. May I start you off with a few
hundred gallons of water to get you started?
I bring years of off-road heavy haul experience with the endorsements for double/triple
tankers and hazmat. Believe me folks, I understand that my cistern is my survival. I will
see to it that you get your water. It will be a pleasure to serve and meet you all.
Bethany & Dewayne Yeddo
Bethany works for the State of Colorado as a Judicial Clerk after spending 17 years as a nurse. Dewayne works at the local school as a paraprofessional and enjoys hiking and spending time in nature. Bethany enjoys gardening, cooking, and preserving food through canning, while their homestead is also home to several beloved dogs, cats, and a flock of chickens. Together, they are building a life centered around self-reliance and stewardship of the land.
They share their off-grid journey on their YouTube channel, Life Reconstructed, where they document the challenges and rewards of building a sustainable life in the high desert.
Living in a region where water is scarce has given them a deep respect for every drop. They believe access to clean, reliable water is essential for every family and are committed to supporting efforts that ensure everyone in their community has guaranteed access to safe, clean water.