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Water Pressure

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Trapped, Tapped, and Squandered
Photograph by Peter Essick

Fresh water surges toward Mexico City’s 18 million people after being diverted from the Borracho and Lerma Rivers. Diversions, dams, and canals regulate and reroute close to 60 percent of 227 of the world’s largest rivers, primarily to supply agriculture with water. Irrigation accounts for 70 percent of all water use, and much of that water is wasted—more than half is lost to evaporation and runoff long before reaching any crops.

Camera: Canon EOS 1V
Film Type: Fujichrome Velvia 50
Lens: 17-35mm
Speed and F-Stop: 1/30 @ f/11

Weather Conditions: Cloudy
Time of Day: Midday
Lighting Techniques: Natural light