Documentary highlights water infrastructure crisis

Penn State Public Broadcasting (WPSU-TV) is set to premiere a public television event on the looming water infrastructure crisis in the United States and how communities are trying to meet the challenge. "Liquid Assets: The Story of Our Water Infrastructure," tells of America’s distressed essential infrastructure systems—drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. These complex and aging systems—some in the ground for more than 150 years—are critical components for basic sanitation, health, public safety, economic development, and a host of other necessities of life. A four-minute trailer is available online at https://liquidassets.psu.edu.

The 90-minute documentary will be available nationwide to all public broadcasting stations beginning Oct. 1, 2008.

"The goal of this public service media project is to stimulate community discussion and bring this issue into the public consciousness using television as a catalyst," said executive producer of the documentary, Tom Keiter. "We want ’Liquid Assets’ to be more than just a broadcast."

The documentary explores major water, sewage, and stormwater infrastructure issues facing communities across the country, including Atlanta; Boston; Herminie, Pa.; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Milwaukee; New York City; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; and Washington, D.C.

Accompanying the documentary is an online companion toolkit, intended to help facilitate discussions that extend beyond the broadcast. The community toolkit, also available at https://liquidassets.psu.edu, includes an outreach guide and other resources to complement the documentary (see a related story here).

"Liquid Assets" will also be available on DVD through Penn State Media Sales for $24.95 plus shipping and handling. It can be ordered by calling 1-800-770-2111 or online at https://mediasales.psu.edu.

"Liquid Assets" is a production of WPSU, Penn State Public Broadcasting. Major funding was provided by the Colcom Foundation, with additional funding from the Associated General Contractors of America, the American Society of Civil Engineers and its Environmental & Water Resources Institute, Insituform Technologies, and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.

Support for community outreach efforts was provided by National Association of Water Companies, Water Environment Federation, Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association, 3 Rivers Wet Weather, American Public Works Association, American Water Works Association, CH2M HILL, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association, Gannett Fleming, National Association of Sewer Service Companies, National Utility Contractors Association, Northwest Pipe Company, and Plastics Pipe Institute.