Deep Water: Building the Catskill Water System (2002)

• 82%
• 2002
• Documentary
• Tobe Carey

The 45-minute documentary celebrates the history of the Catskill Water System with rare archival film footage and historic photographs. Deep Water tells the story of the building of the Ashokan Reservoir, Shandaken Tunnel, Schoharie Reservoir, and the Catskill Aqueduct. Narrated by Robb Webb (the voice of "60 Minutes II"), Deep Water documents how several Catskill Mountain towns were destroyed and flooded, how immigrant workers built the dams and tunnels, and how brilliant engineering and political maneuvering allowed the system to be built. Historians Bob Steuding and Diane Galusha are featured along with aqueduct expert David Nightingale, NY DEP Commissioner Joel A. Miele, Sr., and watershed residents Eleanor Arold and Bud Eckert. The documentary features original music by Abby Newton, Al Petteway and Amy White, Cindy Cashdollar, Zoe Zak, Artie Traum, Bill Keith, Robbie Dupree, and legendary folk artist John Herald interpreting reservoir work-songs. Deep Water was produced in part by funding from The Woodstock Chimes Fund and The Catskill Watershed Corporation along with individual supporters.