NOW on PBS Season 5 Episode 7 Water World
- October 22, 2009
Water is life, we all know that. But what happens when our natural water resources go dry or get polluted? That's when things start to get ugly. In this episode of NOW on PBS, we dive into the world of water, exploring how people and governments are struggling to keep up with the demands of a growing population.
The episode kicks off with a look at the situation in Flint, Michigan, where lead-contaminated water has been in the news for years. NOW on PBS goes behind the scenes to examine how the situation unfolded and what's being done about it. We also learn about efforts to repair the damage and ensure that other communities don't have to go through the same ordeal.
Next, the show takes a global view of the water crisis, by visiting India, where the situation is even more dire. With nearly one-fifth of the world's population, India is ground zero for many of the challenges we face in water management. We meet with environmental and social justice activists who are working to improve the situation and find out what it will take to make real progress.
Back in the United States, the focus shifts to the High Plains, where a major aquifer is at risk of going dry. Farmers in the region have been pumping water from the Ogallala Aquifer for decades, but the water levels are dropping fast. NOW on PBS looks at the science behind the phenomenon and how farmers are coping with the loss of their most precious resource.
But it's not all bad news. The show also takes a look at some of the innovative solutions being developed to tackle the water crisis. We learn about a new technology that uses gravity to provide clean water to people in developing countries, and we visit a city in California that has managed to reduce its water consumption by 25%, despite a growing population.
Finally, the episode rounds out with a roundtable discussion featuring experts from a variety of fields. They examine the root causes of the water crisis, from climate change to population growth, and discuss what needs to be done to ensure that we have enough water to meet our needs in the future.
Throughout the episode, NOW on PBS provides in-depth reporting and insightful analysis, delivering a comprehensive look at one of the most pressing issues of our time. Whether you're a concerned citizen, a policy maker, or just someone who wants to learn more about what's happening with our water, this episode of NOW on PBS is a must-watch.