Deep Water

The building of the Catskill Water System is the tale of heroism and heartbreak, political maneuvering, lost villages, brilliant engineering and a power struggle between New York City and the Catskills. Completed in stages between 1915 and 1926, the Ashokan and Schoharie Reservoirs were built by thousands of stone cutters, bridge builders, railroad workers, tunnel diggers and mule drivers.

It is the story of a city desperate for pure water and the reluctant rural area that was forced to provide it.

Today, the Watershed provides billions of gallons of pure water to New York City. In the time when the world faces severe water shortages, the Catskill system remains one of the most successful water projects of our time.

Hundreds of vintage photographs, rare films and interviews with historians and residents make "Deep Water" a compelling and moving documentary.

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS

We're proud to release the DVD version of Deep Water: The True Story of the Ashokan Reservoir, the Schoharie Reservoir and the Ten Lost Towns. The DVD version is packed with extras. In addition to the documentary, the DVD includes two slide shows with over 900 rare photos and vintage film clips. Original music by Robbie Dupree, Artie Traum, Abby Newton, John Herald and many others can be heard throughout the project. It has been 100 years since the Ashokan Reservoir went up on the drawing boards. This release celebrates that anniversary and the communities that make up the Catskill Mountains.

When we first released Deep Water we were surprised at how much interest there was in Catskill Mountain history. Deep Water was broadcast on WMHT (PBS/Schenectady) and was shown in the Woodstock Film Festival and at libraries throughout the Northeast. We received extensive news coverage from the Woodstock Times to the New York Times. We quickly sold out of our video edition.

After 9/11, the New York City water supply once again became big news. Officials rushed to protect the Ashokan Reservoir. Barricades and police officers were placed along strategic points. Many of the same disputes and ideas about protecting New York City and the upstate community surfaced again - much as they had in 1905.

We'd like to thank everyone who contributed to Deep Water. Our narrator Robb Webb, historians Diane Galusha and Bob Steuding and all of the libraries and individuals who generously shared their photos and stories with us.

Artie, Robbie, Tobe