Water scarcity is like the lesser known cousin of the other environmental issues that are more prominent in the media, for example global warming and decreasing oil supplies. In part, the lack of attention may also be due to clean, safe water being readily available to residents in modern cities at low cost (relative to oil). This documentary tells the story of three different places facing two kinds of water management problem.

In the Everglades, Florida, urban developments are hindering flow and supply of water into the Everglades, resulting in record low-level in water level. Furthermore increasing water demands from nearby region contributes to the decreasing water supply. One of the possible environmental consequences is salt water infiltration into the aquifers, which will alter the eco-system of the Everglades and decrease freshwater availability.

Lake Mead in Nevada faces a similar issue with low precipitation and over consumption because of increasing population and water demand downstream. The water level in the lake has decreased drastically and 25 million people depend on the lake as fresh water supply.

Hebei in Northern China is facing droughts from over consumption by nearby cities such as Beijing. In addition it also faces the problem of pollution from untreated sewage and careless disposal of toxic chemical waste which is quickly making its remaining water sources unusable.

However ordinary citizens are beginning to realise the importance of water conservation and they are coming up with initiatives in attempts to mitigate the problem. In Florida, an environmental group tries to slow down the rate of development and in Hebei, citizens are taking it upon themselves to analyse and monitor their local water resources. In addition to that, local Non-governmental Organisations in Hebei set up a publically available database which monitors the water quality of freshwater sources. Water treatment technologies for both domestic and industrial waste are already available. If environmental laws were to be put in place and duly enforces, further degradation to the water resources is possible.

Water is an integral part of life, making up an approximate 70% of a human body weight. But the social and environmental impacts of freshwater extend far beyond, biodiversity; agricultural activities; industrial operations all hinge on the availability of water. The society as we know it depends greatly on this resource.

“When we were young the environment was beautiful, but we damaged it. So we have to do something about it now for the sake of the future generations"