The Water Brothers

- Season 4

(2017)

Trees and water exist in a symbiotic relationship - take away the trees and you take away the water. Around the world we often take trees for granted and don't even think of their vital role in the hydrologic cycle. Tree roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion and controlling the amount of sediment in nearby rivers. Trees also create rain through a process called transpiration, and the removal of large forests can affect rainfall patterns thousands of kilometers away.

Most of us enjoy fresh clean tap water 24/7, but few of us are aware of the complex network of pipes and sewage networks that bring us that water and take away our waste. Even fewer of us are aware of the severe problems facing these outdated water networks in major cities around the world. The Brothers venture into this hidden underworld and investigate what can be done to fix our aging water networks.

The Brothers head for the South Pacific nation of Palau to document how illegal fishing is threatening local food security and their way of life. Palau recently banned commercial fishing throughout much of its exclusive economic zone and in the process created one of the world's largest marine protected areas, roughly the size of France. Unfortunately, Palau only has one patrol boat to monitor this massive region.

Canada is home to over 1 million lakes and one of the largest freshwater supplies in the entire world, but scientists are discovering that these vast freshwater resources, and the ecosystems they support, are increasingly at risk due to the effects of climate change. From changing rainfall patterns, to reduced snowpack, melting mountain glaciers and warming lakes, Canada is more vulnerable to climate change than many of us assume.

The Water Brothers get dirty. Join them on an exciting journey through the world of soil, manure and water, or in other words - what we grow and eat. An astounding 70% of all the freshwater humans use is for agriculture. We need to use that water much more efficiently and the good news is that there are amazing new technologies being tested and implemented, some in our own backyard, to help us grow MORE FOOD and use LESS WATER. Will we take up the challenge?

Sushi has evolved from being a niche, exotic cuisine into one of the most popular foods in the world. The Brothers travel across North America to investigate the impact of this cuisine on health of the ocean and meet sushi chefs who are introducing customers to more sustainable seafood options.