Watch Groundwater: To enact a law for the common good

Groundwater: To Enact a Law for the Common Good is a compelling documentary that delves into the complex issue of water management in the Western United States. With a host of experts and stakeholders, including iconic figures such as former Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and former Senator Jon Kyl, the film presents a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing this region as it grapples with the realities of population growth, climate change, and finite water resources.

The film takes viewers on a journey through the history of water management in the West, recounting the creation of the 1902 Reclamation Act and the construction of the Hoover and Glen Canyon Dams, as well as the contentious struggle to allocate water rights among various stakeholders, including farmers, cities, and Native American tribes. The film also examines the impact of drought and climate change on water supplies, as well as the need for innovative and collaborative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches.

One of the most powerful aspects of Groundwater is the way in which it presents the human stories behind the water issue. The filmmakers tell the stories of farmers in Arizona who are struggling to make ends meet as they face declining water supplies and rising costs, as well as Native American tribes in Montana who are working to protect their sacred water sources from contamination. The film also introduces viewers to a range of experts and advocates who are working to find solutions to the water crisis, from water conservationists to environmentalists to lawmakers.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers maintain a neutral and balanced perspective, presenting multiple viewpoints and allowing viewers to decide for themselves where they stand on the issue. This is particularly evident in the film's coverage of the proposed Gila River diversion project in New Mexico, which would divert water from an ecologically sensitive river to support agricultural expansion. The film presents arguments both for and against the project, giving viewers a clear understanding of the complex trade-offs involved.

Overall, Groundwater: To Enact a Law for the Common Good is a thought-provoking and insightful documentary that offers a comprehensive look at one of the most pressing issues facing the West today. Through its compelling stories and nuanced exploration of the issues, the film invites viewers to rethink their own relationship to water and to consider what it means to work towards the common good in a world of limited resources. Whether you're a student, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this film is an essential watch.

Groundwater: To enact a law for the common good is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 26 minutes.