On Friday, August 22, the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council (CPWAC) will host a film premiere of “The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?” and discussion with Director Jim Thebaut.

The premiere will begin at 7:00 pm at the Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N. Fort Valley Road in Flagstaff. Admission to the showing is $5 per person and the public is invited and encouraged to attend.

“The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?” is a documentary film completed in July 2008, and hosted and narrated by actress Jane Seymour. The film was produced, directed and written by veteran filmmaker Jim Thebaut, who also serves as Executive Producer. Thebaut will attend the film premiere and provide commentary on the making of the film.

The film provides an in-depth analysis on the water crisis in the western United States. Viewers will learn about land use planning and water needs of cities located in the Southwest—and how relentless drought and record low precipitation has affected water levels on vital sources such as Lake Powell, Lake Mead, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta system, the Rio Grande and the Colorado River.

“The Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council has been addressing many of the issues that will be discussed in the film,” said CPWAC Chairman Liz Archuleta. “The film will provide a very real portrayal of the issues looming in Northern Arizona and the need for future water resource planning. We’re very excited to present this informative documentary to our citizens.”

The film provides commentary from key policymakers and members of Congress about the water crisis between states, and provides discussion with water authorities and scientists on conservation, water reuse, consequences of urban growth and water policy. The film also discusses solutions to the water crisis such as desalination, rainwater harvesting, green construction and individual choices to conserve water.

For more information, contact CPWAC representative Lena Fowler at (928) 283-6023.