Watch Water & Power: A California Heist

Water is one of the most valuable resources on our planet, and California, one of the largest and most diverse states in America, has one of the most complicated water systems in the world. The National Geographic Channel's Water & Power: A California Heist, delves deep into this complex web of issues surrounding the state's water management system. The show, which premiered in 2017, explores how both rural and urban residents are coping with unequal access to water resources in California and the dire consequences it has for the state's environment, agriculture, and community.

The documentary, directed by Marina Zenovich, features prominent scientists, environmentalists, lawyers, and journalists who explain the tenuous nature of California's water supply. Water & Power: A California Heist uncovers the corrupt practices and powerful corporate interests that manipulate and exploit the water system for their own monetary gain.

The show is a call to action that seeks to expose the destructive policies and practices in place that allow the wealthy to get richer and the poor to suffer. The documentary highlights the struggles of rural Californians who depend on the water supply for their livelihoods, as well as for basic human needs. For many, water is the currency of survival, and the show presents the urgency and desperation of those who are most affected by the crisis.

The documentary presents shocking facts and figures that highlight the gravity of the situation. For instance, California is home to over 80% of the world's almond production, and to grow just a single almond demands over one gallon of water. This statistic alone points to the enormous waste and mismanagement of water resources. The show argues that the state's water supply is not only inefficient, but that it is also incredibly corrupted, controlled by powerful corporations with little regard for the state's residents.

Water & Power: A California Heist goes beyond just documenting the problem at hand. It delves into the lives of people most affected by the water crisis, including low-income farmworkers, who are often forced to choose between a paycheck and their health. In one memorable scene, a migrant farmworker explains how his children are being poisoned by the polluted water. The emotional toll of these issues is felt throughout the documentary, humanizing what is an otherwise complex and sometimes abstract topic.

The documentary also highlights the ways in which the state's water crisis intersects with climate change. California is home to long stretches of drought, with precipitation becoming increasingly scarce. The show highlights how we can't have a sustainable solution to water scarcity without taking into account the long-term effects of climate change. It decries the collective failure of regulatory agencies and government leaders, who have been unable to address the issue adequately.

Water & Power: A California Heist ultimately sends a message of hope. The documentary offers tangible solutions to tackle the crisis, including grassroots organizing and community-based initiatives that aim to empower and mobilize people most affected. The documentary argues that together, we can sustainably manage California's water supply and control it equitably for all Californians.

Overall, Water & Power: A California Heist is an essential documentary that explores one of the most severe issues of our time. It educates viewers about the state's problematic water management system while also highlighting the human element behind the crisis. It is a powerful call to action that seeks to motivate the audience to become informed and involved in a movement for change.