Teaching our children

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

One of the most valuable lessons we can teach children in the Las Vegas Valley is that there is not an endless supply of water. As we struggle through a prolonged drought in the Southwest, it is more important than ever that youngsters learn the value of conservation.

Filmmaker Jim Thebaut had that in mind when he created “The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?” As reported Tuesday by Phoebe Sweet in the Las Vegas Sun, the 71-minute film focuses on the ill effects of the drought and was financed in part by the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Among the topics covered by the film are the basics of the Colorado River Compact, seawater desalination and water recycling. “If we can reach the children, the parents will fall in line,” Thebaut told the Sun.

One of the best ways to reach children would be for the film to be distributed throughout the Clark County School District. In a school setting the students could not only view the film but also discuss it with their teachers and classmates.

A shorter version of the film will air on PBS Channel 10 at 9 p.m. Oct. 7 and Oct. 30; 9 and 10 p.m. Oct. 9; and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 12. We would encourage parents to tune in and tape the film if their children are not able to view it with them at those times.

Water Authority General Manager Pat Mulroy said about the film: “Exposing our children to this reality is beneficial because the next generation of leaders will come from this group, and we want them to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.”

That’s sage advice, considering it is unlikely we will be solving our complex water issues anytime soon.