NEARLY EVERY STATE IN THE AMERICAN SOUTH-WEST IS AFFECTED BY A WATER CRISIS AND IS STRUGGLING WITH RECORD DRY CONDITIONS.

The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry? story line

On the heels of the American Southwest’s drought, and in an effort to raise awareness, The Chronicles Group with support from grants from the California Water Association, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Southern Nevada Water Authority and other public and private entities, Vegas PBS will present The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry? directed, written, and produced by Jim Thebaut, president of The Chronicles Group, a Los Angeles based non-profit public information/education film production company.

Featuring narration from Emmy® Award-winning actress Jane Seymour, The American Southwest:  Are We Running Dry? is a definitive look at how the water crisis affects the American Southwest states and its escalating economic toll.

From the White House to the House of Representatives, Jim Thebaut interviews key thought leaders for an intelligent and informed discussion about the evolving water crisis.  Thebaut  filmed at diverse locations including the Navajo and Hopi reservations, on Capitol Hill and in Las Vegas for an absorbing and contemplative discussion about conservation, water reuse, desalination, unprecedented population growth and future water policies. Interviews with key members of Congress include Sens. Jon Kyl (Ariz.), Ken Salazar (Colo.), and Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman (N.M.), and U.S. Reps. Mary Bono (Palm Springs) and Jim Costa (Fresno). An interview with Dr. Gene Whitney, science advisor to President Bush, also is featured in this impartial and balanced documentary.

The American Southwest:  Are We Running Dry? gives audiences an in-depth awareness and education of the water crisis in the United States. Viewers learn about land use planning and the water needs of cities in the Southwest, and how climate change may impact water levels on vital sources such as Lake Powell, Hoover Dam’s Lake Mead, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta system, the Rio Grande and the Colorado River.

  • Short Synopsis: “As in the rest of the world, significant water problems exist in the Southwestern states because of severe drought, urban development, agricultural uses and population growth. The overwhelming need to solve these issues in the United States and the world is crucial through education and planning. The severity of the American water crisis cannot be underestimated.”
  • MPAA: Not rated
  • Duration:
  • Released: September 1, 2008
  • TV System: NTSC
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Format(s):
  • Available Territories: Worldwide
  • Director: Jim Thebaut
  • Writer(s): Jim Thebaut
  • Producer(s):
  • Production Co.: Chronicles Group, The Live Wire Productions & Visual FX Master Communications
  • Cast: Jane Seymour
  • Crew:
  • Official website:
  • Official Trailer: https://vimeo.com/65068550
  • Press Kit:
  • Video on-demand: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/arewerunningdry
  • Screener Available: Yes
  • Film placed: