Documentary Recommendation: Water & Power: A California Heist (2017)

Director: Marina Zenovich

Writer: Mark Arax

MMPA Rating: PG for thematic elements, some language and brief smoking

Running Time: 1 hour and 27 minutes

*******

In addition to the problem of homelessness in California especially in the larger cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, there is the issue of water distribution that has plagued the state for years. It took a little bit to get going, but once it did it was well worth it. Water & Power: A California Heist (2017) explains how a few corporate land owners were able to control the state’s water behind closed doors in the 1960s. This decision, based much on greed, lead to abundance of water in certain cities and severe droughts in other cities over the decades. It lead to a further divide between the rich and poor farmers and rich and poor residents. With the heavy amount of agribusiness spread across California today, it requires massive amounts of water. In the absence of it, the ground hasn’t been able to support itself due to the heavy groundwater pumping being done to grow the crops. Basically, the Central Valley that includes San Joaquin and Sacramento Valley is sinking. I probably won’t be eating so many almonds or drinking Pom Wonderful anymore. This documentary was educational, but it left me feeling quite dismal by the end of it. There wasn’t much to be hopeful for because water affects just about everything. We need it to grow food and to survive. We can go without food for a while, but without water we don’t last long. One day the fresh water will run out. The projected timeline is around the year 2030 and latest around the year 2050. I’m hoping the scientists, environmentalists, and even politicians can work together so fresh water that should be a human right doesn’t become a full-fledged luxury item where only a few can afford while the rest of us are forced to drink the leftover contaminated water. Food for thought or should I water to drink.

*******