The American Waters journey will begin in Bend, Oregon, in September 2025, to explore critical water-related issues across the western United States.

Key stops include Mt. Rainier, where retreating glaciers threaten water sources; Clearwater, significant to Indigenous communities; and the Great Salt Lake, where shrinking water levels lead to hazardous dust storms. The Colorado River’s declining flow impacts agriculture, endangered species, and millions of people, while Bakersfield faces groundwater depletion threatening crops.

In San Francisco, Pacific temperature shifts affect marine life, while Lake Tahoe and Crater Lake grapple with rising wildfire threats and the economic significance of water for tourism and health. Each location illuminates the urgent need for water conservation and environmental action.

Phase 1 of this project addresses three vital water challenges influencing America’s environmental landscape: groundwater depletion, the Colorado River crisis, and the warming of the Great Salt Lake. The over-extraction of groundwater, primarily driven by agricultural and industrial needs, is depleting crucial aquifers faster than they can naturally replenish, putting communities and crops at risk nationwide. The Colorado River, essential for millions, is under severe strain due to ongoing drought and excessive usage, endangering water availability, agriculture, and fragile ecosystems. At the same time, the Great Salt Lake is experiencing unprecedented warming, which affects local ecosystems, water quality, and regional economies that depend on this vital resource. Through a combination of data, visuals, and personal narratives, American Waters sheds light on these crises' human and environmental impacts, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions.