Killing the Colorado

Killing the Colorado is a poignant and revealing 2016 documentary that weaves a narrative about the modern water crisis in the western United States. Presented by the Discovery Channel and directed by Barbara Kopple, this gripping film delves into the wide-reaching effects of an ongoing water shortage affecting millions of residents and multiple industries across the country. Addressing an issue as vital as it is complicated, the film critically dissects the problem while providing a platform for dialogues around practical solutions.

Considered one of the most significant environmental crisis of the 21st century, the scarcity of water in the American West has its roots in historical, economic, and political aspects. Killing the Colorado presents this crisis by exploring the stories of farmers, city dwellers, and businesspeople whose lives are directly impacted by the struggle to control and maintain the Colorado River—one of the most prominent and crucial water sources in the region.

The documentary brilliantly taps into the human aspect of the crisis, creating an intense emotional connection in the viewers. Via interviews of people battling the crisis on a day-to-day basis, Killing the Colorado puts a face to the problem and indelibly underscores the immensity of the issue. It takes viewers on a journey through the agricultural lands in California's Central Valley, the rapid urban sprawl of Las Vegas, and the parched Colorado River Basin, revealing water management practices and policies that are adding to the crisis rather than alleviating it.

The film also delves into the legal and political framework that has driven the water distribution in the region. The outdated water rights system, the controversial laws, and politically motivated decisions have often mis-prioritized the allocation of water, causing imbalances and escalating the crisis. Killing the Colorado puts a spotlight on these issues, striving to create awareness and compel viewers to reflect on the urgency of the situation.

One of the striking aspects of the film is its discussion on the intersection of water scarcity and economic repercussions. It explains how the shortage is threatening agriculture, a crucial part of the economy, and slowly destabilizing industry and growth in the urban areas. From farm owners facing bankruptcy, to cities grappling with unprecedented population growth and drought, the documentary vividly portrays the economic toll of the water crisis on the American West.

The narrative is corroborated by the insights from some of the well-known experts like Patricia Mulroy – former official at the Southern Nevada Water Authority, Robert Glennon – an author and water resource policy analyst, and Jay Famiglietti – a senior water scientist from NASA. Through these experts, Killing the Colorado convincingly asserts that this is a manmade disaster, worsened by poor policy decisions, unsustainable practices, and a lack of effective crisis management.

Sublimely filmed and brilliantly directed, Killing the Colorado is a daring film that challenges established norms and provokes thought. It ambitiously navigates the complex web of factors – from climate change and flawed legal systems to overdevelopment and agriculture practices—at the heart of the American West's water crisis.

Killing the Colorado presents a dire picture, but the documentary also sketches the potential for change. With an emphasis on alternative approaches and possible solutions—such as reformation of water laws, reliance on technology and innovation for better water management—the film tries to spur collective action for addressing the crisis.

In essence, Killing the Colorado is a wake-up call for action. Thought-provoking and often heart-wrenching, it sends an essential message about the urgency to conserve and correctly manage one of our most precious resources. This film doesn't just tell us about a crisis—it compels us to rethink our actions and create change. It is a remarkable piece of work that firmly places water conservation at the forefront of the global environmental agenda.