Watch Watershed: Exploring a New Water Ethic for the New West

Watershed: Exploring a New Water Ethic for the New West is a documentary film from 2012 that explores the critical issue of water use and management in the American West. The film takes a thought-provoking approach to the subject by exploring the connection between our human relationship with water and the environmental, social, and economic challenges that we face as a region.

The film follows the journey of a diverse group of individuals who work on the Colorado River, including conservationists, ranchers, farmers, and city officials. These people are all grappling with the ongoing water crisis in the West, which has been exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and a history of unsustainable water management practices.

At the center of the film is the Colorado River, which is the lifeblood of the American West. The river provides water to over 40 million people and 5.5 million acres of farmland in seven states. However, the river is over-allocated, meaning that more water is being taken out of it than is being replenished naturally. This has created a situation where the river is drying up, which has profound implications for both the people and the environment of the region.

Through interviews with experts and practitioners, as well as stunning footage of the Colorado River and its surrounding landscapes, the film makes a compelling argument for the need to adopt a new water ethic in the West. This ethic would prioritize conservation, sustainability, and collaboration, rather than the traditional "use it or lose it" mindset that has governed water use in the past.

The film argues that this new water ethic is necessary not only to protect the environment and the natural resources of the region but also to ensure the long-term viability of the West's economy and the communities that depend on it. The film also examines the cultural and spiritual significance of water in the West, highlighting the ways in which water has been central to the identity of the region's indigenous peoples, the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni.

Throughout the film, we see the individuals and organizations involved in the Colorado River working towards a more sustainable future. Some are advocating for new policies to encourage conservation, while others are experimenting with innovative new techniques for water management. There are also examples of successful collaborations between different groups, such as the partnership between farmers and conservationists in Oregon to restore a degraded river ecosystem.

Overall, Watershed: Exploring a New Water Ethic for the New West provides an insightful and engaging look at one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the Western United States today. The film is not just important as a call to action, but also for its thoughtful exploration of the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of water use in the West. It is a highly recommended documentary for anyone interested in the future of the American West and the sustainability of our natural resources.

Watershed: Exploring a New Water Ethic for the New West is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.