'The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?'

With excellent graphics and aerial photography, "Running Dry," which airs at 8:30 p.m. Thursday on KCET, runs through the problems facing the seven states that depend on the Colorado River -- too many people chasing too little water, added to concerns about pollution and cost. As long as water flows from the tap, the public is largely unconcerned about the future. "Running Dry" hopes to change that with an examination of burgeoning cities, sprawling desert suburbs and isolated rural areas.

In the Southwest, growth is a kind of civic religion founded on the belief that water will be found -- somewhere, somehow -- to support it.

"They're not giving up," says U.S. Sen. Pete V. Domenici (R-N.M.). "They're going to use the water until hell burns over and continue to grow."

The lesson of "Running Dry" is that it's time for even greater conservation, recycling and desalination, and a more cooperative spirit among often feuding water interests.

Tim Brick, board chairman of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, suggests that public support for recycling water would be greater if the phrase "toilet to tap" were replaced by "showers to flowers."

Sad to say, actress Jane Seymour's narration, with her delicate English accent, has a lecturing tone that is off-putting. Also, the ever-present background music is annoying. "Running Dry" often veers from water-documentary to water-district infomercial.

Still, the issue of water quality and quantity is crucial in the Southwest and the world. If the U.S. can't solve its problems, its ability to lecture others is limited.

"You can't teach temperance from a bar stool," said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.).

Perry is a Times staff writer.

tony.perry@latimes.com