Finish and WWF are replenishing Rio Grande

THE MONUMENT WE HOPE YOU NEVER SEE

Most monuments commemorate the past. Finish created a monument that inspires action for the future. A monument that inspires us to protect water–our most valuable natural resource. Placed at the bottom of an at-risk lake, the H₂Opeful Monument is the first monument created with the hope to never be seen.

Preview Image of H2OPEFUL MONUMENTS video

H₂OPEFUL NATION: MAPPING AMERICA’S WATER

America is in the midst of a water crisis. Right now, 40 out of 50 states are facing water shortages that leave vital bodies of water at risk². To take action for a better future, we need to understand the reality of the present. Let’s explore the real-time conditions of key bodies of water across the nation.

PIERCE LAKE, TEXAS

Pierce Lake in Texas, home of the H₂Opeful Monument, is currently experiencing extreme drought (D3) conditions. That means the loss of crops and wildlife is now a certainty, and bodies of water may dry up completely¹. Water shortages in the area are now widespread, part of day-to-day life¹. As recently as the summer of 2022, 62% of Texas experienced these extreme drought conditions.²

EXTREME DROUGHT

RIO GRANDE

SUPPORTS 16 MILLION PEOPLE³

Highly biodiverse, 50% of the Rio Grande’s fish species are found nowhere else in the world³. But current moderate drought conditions (D1) mean that its water level has fallen, pastures and wildlife will see at least some damage, and water shortages are beginning to develop¹.

MODERATE DROUGHT

LAKE MEAD

SUPPORTS 25 MILLION PEOPLE⁴

Lake Mead is one of the most important reservoirs in the United States⁴. But in recent years, it’s experienced an unprecedented drop in water levels⁴. In its current severe drought (D2) conditions, the loss of entire crops is likely, and water shortages are now commonplace¹.

SEVERE DROUGHT

COLORADO RIVER

SYSTEM SUPPORTS 40 MILLION PEOPLE⁵

The Colorado River irrigates about 90% of the nation's winter vegetables⁵. Its current moderate drought (D1) conditions mean that the water level has fallen, crops will see at least some damage, and water shortages are beginning to develop¹.

MODERATE DROUGHT

LAKE POWELL

SYSTEM SUPPORTS 40 MILLION PEOPLE⁷

Lake Powell is the largest water reservoir in the Southwestern United States, part of a system that serves over 40 million people^6,7. Its current severe drought (D2) conditions mean that the loss of entire crops and pastures is likely, and water shortages in the area are now commonplace¹.

SEVERE DROUGHT

“WHEN THE WELL IS DRY, WE KNOW THE WORTH OF WATER.”

THE MONUMENT WE HOPE YOU NEVER SEE