Working as a dive master in the oceans for over a decade, it is easy to see how people view water as an unlimited resource due to the sheer size of our oceans and how much of our planet’s surface is covered by water.
Even those of us who are aware that our drinking water is a limited resource have much to learn watching The River Runs Through Us. For example the newer and stronger medicines and chemicals we develop reach our water supply, from any household, by our own hands. We see the visible impact this has, seen clearly by the effect on the native fish population. We also see that we are only recently able to detect minute traces of troubling substances in our water, which leads us to ask, what is there as yet undetected? How could this affect us in the near and distant future?
We are shown that we only need to make simple changes to make a difference and help protect this valuable resource. For instance, I drink tap water wherever possible to limit the need for plastic bottles. I am restrained in my use of chemicals for cleaning, using vinegar when possible and growing an organic vegetable garden. I was reminded to use more dye and scent free products in the future. There are many other tiny adjustments we can make to limit the use of antimicrobial products which are so popular today and watching what we eat. All these choices added together, can make a big impact.
This is only a glimpse of the things to discover in this wonderful film. The river, literally, runs through us.
Liang Chen, Cozumel, Mexico
Reviews
This documentary made me feel mad because so many people were polluting the Potomac River. Polluting isn’t bad for the rivers only, but for the animals living there like fish. I can connect to people picking up trash. I once did that, too. Sophie, age 9
I thought that our water came from just any river, but now I know that it comes from the Potomac. Also, now I will try to get my brother not to pollute. Katherine, age 9
I loved it! I always thought that the water came from underground. I knew about the problems but thought I couldn’t help. Alexander, age 8 ½
I loved the movie! It really influenced my knowledge of the environment. I really care about the environment. Alexandra, age 8
I was really inspired to help once I watched the movie. I want to tell my mom and dad to help the river and the fish by getting the river clean. Thank you for coming to our school to show us your movie. Gevevieve, age 9
I learned that the water in the Potomac is very dirty. I feel that there is not much time. Kevin, age 8
I never knew that this was so important. I never knew that all the chemicals, even the ones in your body can travel to the Potomac River. It makes me want to help. Madeleine, age 9
I know a lot about making a film and this film has beautiful pictures. This film inspired me to go to the Potomac River and pick up litter and the trash. Devon, age 9
Every drop of water that goes down the drain ends up in the Potomac River. I made a connection to when people were picking up trash. It reminds me of when I went to the beach to pick up trash. Isabel, age 9