Friends of the Kaw states as their mission “to protect and preserve the Kansas River.” The Kansas River, nicknamed Kaw, begins in Junction City where the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers join and ends where it joins the Missouri River at Kansas City.
Last Thursday evening we attended the Friends’ Wild and Scenic Film Festival in Liberty Hall in Lawrence. There were four short films, most addressing water quality and resources.
“Tapped” was the last film. This award winning Indy Film makes an impression watching the trailer. We all know bottled water is not a wise choice. However, I did not know there is a billion dollar industry in bottled water where big companies actually “farm” water without paying anything for it. There is very little legislation regulating this industry that has grown primarily from advertising. The plastic used for bottles is even another issue, both health and use of petroleum.
After seeing this movie, we hope to not buy any more bottled water. We do find it convenient when traveling, but this summer I purchased glass jugs that can be refilled from a clean source and we have reusable drinking containers. I carry water in the camper because I don’t like to drink the water run through our camper system. It is a matter of getting into a habit even at home of remembering to fill reusable containers.
Lawrence Public Library has the movie to rent. I am sure other libraries in the area do also. I encourage all to see it. I am sure the reason the Friends included this film in their series is that most of Topeka and possibly some of Lawrence’s drinking water is taken from the Kaw.
