Part of a series—The Valley and the Lake: A Film Odyssey in Four Movements—Water Beneath our Feet is the fourth movement in this educational documentary suitable for classroom viewing in biology or environmental science classes. Professor Rob Hansen, a biology professor from the College of the Sierras, is featured in the film and also serves as the principal narrator. This environmental film focuses on California’s central valley where Tulare Lake existed until 1898.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Tulare Lake Basin is considered to be one of the largest modifications to the earth’s surface by mankind. Aerial photography and archival photos provide striking pictures of both the present and past sections of Tulare Lake. With climate change and less access to surface water, California is now accessing water deep beneath the surface faster than it can be replaced. This film examines both the historical events leading up to California’s increased use and demand for water, the loss of water resources due to climate change, and some possible solutions.
The Tulare Lake Basin in central California used to be one of the largest freshwater lakes west of Salt Lake City; historic photos show men boating on the lake. Tulare Lake extended 20 miles in length and 15 files in width. Rainfall and water from the high Sierra Nevada range replenished the lake each year. Farmers irrigated their crops with water from streams flowing into the lake. Now, it is a desert area receiving less than ten inches of rainfall per year.
The soil is fertile though, and with irrigation, the land can, and is, used for agriculture. Video clips from six years ago show Professor Hansen wading through a restored marsh area of Tulare Lake at the southern end. Birds and vegetation abound near the marsh. During the next six years, drought causes the area to become a desert. With such dry conditions and greater demands for water for agriculture expansion, residential development, and habitats, California builds the Friant-Kern Canal which diverts water from the San Joaquin River.
When that isn’t sufficient, California initiates the California State Water Project and builds an aqueduct bringing water from further north in the state. Eventually, California turns to deep underground wells. Professor Hansen points out that taking water from deep in the earth without replacing it results in subsidence—the ground sinks. He discusses projects to restore wetlands and the need for the public to understand the risks of taking deep underground water. This environmental documentary is recommended for classroom discussion at the high school or college level.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Water Beneath Our Feet is suitable for biology lessons about ecosystems and environmental science lessons on climate change, and ecology.
What type of college/university professor would find this title valuable?
Water Beneath Our Feet is an educational documentary that would be suitable for classes in biology, environmental science, ecology, and soil science.