Let’s Talk About Water (LTAW) is a unique program combining the power of film and the science of water to inform and engage students, faculty and the general public in active discussion about water issues and solutions.

We have four goals:

1. To bring clarity and understanding to the water crisis and its solutions.
2. To facilitate conversation between experts and students, and provide a forum for debate around water science and policy.
3. To promote water and earth science education.
4. To engage general citizenry in public policy and water solutions.

Since 2009, programs have been effectively conducted on a number of university campuses and in community settings, reaching a mix of undergraduate students and general public (see our Events page for a detailed description of each event). The formula is simple but powerful: the panel and the audience view together a water film (such as “FLOW,” “Liquid Assets,” or “Gasland”), creating a context of common subject and language. Often, we will show two films: the first with local relevance, and second, a timely documentary with more of a national or global focus. These films serve as the basis for a moderated discussion with a panel of experts drawn from science, policy and government. The discussions are lively and engaging, using simple and informative language. Information about careers in the water sciences is also included. We also try to make it fun!

CUAHSI—The Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. has partnered with LTAW to provide scientific expertise and technical support. CUAHSI is a consortium of over 125 universities, funded by the National Science Foundation, to support the study of the terrestrial components and processes of the global water cycle. CUAHSI enables the university water science community to advance understanding of the central role of water to life, Earth, and society. They include over 130 affiliate university professors spread across the U.S., Europe and Asia. They provide expertise to localize LTAW events, identify particular problems and solutions, and compose panel discussions that enliven the discussion. Dr. Richard Hooper, President of CUAHSI, engages with the program for general overview of content, agenda setting, and selection of panelists. [Visit www.cuahsi.org]