It’s easy to take water for granted in America, even though we are totally dependent on it for survival, but as director Jessica Yu illustrates in her new film, Last Call at the Oasis, it’s an issue that will be of concern to all of us, it’s just a question of time.  The film makes an impact, even among the onslaught of social and environmental awareness documentaries that have been coming out in the past few years thanks to its staggering statistics and personal stories along with some really excellent graphics.

The film was inspired by Alex Prud’homme’s book The Ripple Effect and takes on a vast number of different issues that water is involved in from fracking, to pollution, to farming, to what might be the most pressing fact that drinkable water is quickly disappearing.  The film does a good job in juggling the different issues while keeping the information concise and palatable without overwhelming the viewer. The tone and pacing of the film is aided by very diverse speakers ranging from experts like Peter Gleick, Jay Famiglietti and Robert Glennon to activists like Erin Brockovich and actors like Jack Black who adds a few terrific and much needed comic moments.

It’s hard not to walk away from the film frightened, even with its attempt at an optimistic ending but it’s definitely a film to be aware of especially in this season of political distractions as candidates are avoiding major issues by finding their way into America’s bedrooms.

Last Call at the Oasis opens in theaters May 4, 2012.