Ep 3. The Colorado River: A Thirst for More

In the third episode of The Wonder List with Bill Weir season 2, titled "The Colorado River: A Thirst for More," Bill explores the complex issue of water management in the American Southwest. The Colorado River is a vital resource for millions of people living in the region, but with climate change and drought, it's facing a growing crisis.

Bill starts his journey in Las Vegas, a city that has famously transformed the desert into a neon oasis. He meets with Pat Mulroy, a veteran water manager who oversaw the growth of the city's water supply. But even Mulroy acknowledges that Vegas may have hit its limit. It's a challenge that's facing many cities in the Southwest, which are rapidly growing while relying on a dwindling water supply.

Next, Bill heads to the Hoover Dam, one of the most iconic structures in the American West. But the dam is also a symbol of the tension between states that depend on the Colorado River. The river is divided into multiple basins, each with its own set of rules and regulations. Bill visits the All-American Canal in California, which draws water from the Colorado River and provides irrigation for farms in the Imperial Valley. But the canal has also created tension between California and Arizona, which rely on the river downstream.

Bill also visits the Navajo Nation, a Native American reservation that has struggled with access to clean and reliable water. The Navajo people have experienced the cost of water mismanagement firsthand, with contamination from abandoned mines and uranium extraction. Bill meets with Navajo community leaders who are working to find solutions to these issues.

Throughout the episode, Bill asks tough questions about how we can manage our resources in a way that's sustainable for the future. He meets with farmers, scientists, and activists who are grappling with the challenges of climate change and population growth. In the end, he finds hope in innovative solutions that balance the needs of humans and nature.

"The Colorado River: A Thirst for More" is a thought-provoking look at a timely issue that affects us all. Bill Weir's engaging storytelling and inquisitive approach make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of our planet.