Once Was Water 2019
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Diana Fuller; Trash 24 Productions
Directed by Christopher Beaver
Streaming, color, 55 mins
Middle School - General Adult
Area Studies; Biography; Conservation; Sustainable Living; Water; West (U.S.)
Date Entered: 11/14/2019
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Independent Scholar and Librarian, Valparaiso, INThis film is a concise and succinct examination of the city of Las Vegas and its success with sustainable water conservation and recyclable wastewater. With numerous casinos, businesses, and over 1 million people living in one of the hottest deserts in the world, Las Vegas leads the world in its political, financial, and technological achievements with water. The movie follows Patricia Mulroy, the controversial founder of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, and her efforts to build community and business programs on water conservation. Every drop of water within over 6,500 miles of pipeline is acoustically monitored, and over 40% of the water used in Las Vegas is recycled for indoor use. Having lived in Las Vegas for seven years, I can personally attest to the city's amazing use and recycling of water in order to keep the city and its casinos working. Just think of the Bellagio's beautiful fountains and the massive amount of water that is used just for show and beauty in the middle of the desert; this film documents all of this and is an excellent movie for classes on modern-day cities and conservation efforts.