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New documentary dealing with water issues premieres on Prairie Public Television

Call-in show follows up More Precious Than Gold

Water is at the top of most policymaker’s agendas but rarely on the radar of North Dakota citizens. Prairie Public Television's two newest local productions “More Precious Than Gold” and “Water For The Valley” bring to the forefront questions North Dakota must answer about water issues facing the state today and in the future.

“More Precious Than Gold” airs at the following times on Prairie Public Television.

  • Wednesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm CT
  • Friday, April 9 at 1:00 am CT
  • Sunday, April 11 at 12:30 pm CT
  • Wednesday, May 12 at 8:00 pm CT
  • Friday, May 14 at 2:00 am CT

The 90-minute documentary looks at the history of water development in North Dakota and examines the current status of water issues shaping the future in the region:

  • Rural water systems that can’t afford to update their aging infrastructure to meet tough new water quality standards.
  • A valuable recreation industry on Lake Sakakawea that is being dry-docked by federal regulations.
  • International court battles over an outlet to control flooding in Devils Lake.
  • Plans to bring drinkable water to communities in the arid west stalled over environmental concerns.
  • The realities of the state’s geography that have punctured long-held dreams for widespread irrigated agriculture.
  • Plans to use restored and preserved prairie wetlands to control seasonal flooding in the Red River Valley.
  • State plans to supply water to growing population centers if another 1930s-caliber drought develops as some climatologists predict.

"Water is a delicate balancing act," said Bob Dambach, executive producer of “More Precious Than Gold.” “Decisions made about increasing Fargo's water supply impact the Missouri Valley basin. The Devils Lake outlet has ramifications throughout the state and in Canada. Water quality concerns in southwestern North Dakota are reflected in the eastern part of the state. Developing tourism will impact agriculture. And there are huge price tags on water projects. It is time the public begins to view the water issue from a statewide perspective.”

According to Mark Twain “Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting about.” As lawsuits over the Devils Lake Outlet, Northwest Area Water Supply and the management of Lake Sakakawea water levels move through the courts, North Dakota policymakers must forge solutions to local water problems that have statewide impact.

“More Precious Than Gold” is funded with grants from Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, the Otto Bremer Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, North Dakota Wildlife Resources Trust, Red River Basin Support Coalition, North Dakota Water Users Association, Southwest Water Authority, Bartlett & West Engineers, and by the members of Prairie Public Television.

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Prairie Public Broadcasting is committed to strengthening the prairie community and helping rural communities remain viable by using its advanced technology and broadcast capabilities. Prairie Public Broadcasting offers North Dakota, northwest Minnesota, eastern Montana and Manitoba quality radio, television, and public media services that educate, involve, and inspire the people of the prairie region. Terms of Use


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