In 2018, the World Resources Institute found that of all global cities with a population greater than 3 million, 33 of them face extremely high water stress (a term meaning that they are using nearly all of their water supply). By 2030, that number is likely to rise to 45, and include nearly 470 million people.  

WATERWORKS will trace a path, from tap to source, across the water supply systems of the United States in this time of flux, exploring the physical interventions and labor involved in bringing water to (and moving it away) from where we live.

The approach will be as simple as possible, moving across the country methodically and filming extensively, yet allowing the flows of water to direct where the camcorder lands its gaze. Through this direct observation, a snapshot of the varied material cultures and ways of life tied to American water might emerge, as well as, perhaps, premonitions of future water flows.

If you would like to follow along with the documentary project, regular updates will be made in Fieldnotes and on Instagram.