You might think America is a democracy, where freedom of speech and basic rights are guaranteed. But at its heart, there is a great injustice.  Against all the odds several extraordinary citizens are banding together and fighting back for their basic right to clean water. Armed only with facts and their illnesses, they risk arrest to take on the might of industry and government. From Flint to the Navajo Nation, via Standing Rock, this is their story.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively rolling back regulations that protect air, land and water in the United States. These actions make it more critical than ever to protect our health and environment from pollution. Voda is finding ways to partner with groups and using our own resources to test water in areas of the US that are seen as at-risk for contamination. When pollutants are discovered, Voda will alert the communities that are being contaminated and provide guidance on what to do next. The lack of government oversight and the dismantling of the EPA has made this core initiative more important than ever to protect human health and the environment.

Water pollution in the United States is a growing issue.  The contaminates entering US waterways are jeopardizing our health and environment. According to the most recent surveys on national water quality from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nearly half of our rivers and streams and more than one-third of our lakes are polluted and unfit for swimming, fishing, and drinking.  Many Americans rely on well water that draws freshwater from ground water and / or aquifers.  Multiple studies confirm contaminates — from pesticides and fertilizers through chemicals to coal ash—leach and make their way into the groundwater / aquifers, which causes these freshwater sources unsafe for human use. The first comprehensive, nation study of coal ash pollution by the Environmental Integrity Project is shocking.  The study revealed  unsafe levels of toxic pollutants in groundwater from coal ash at 91% of 265 sites across United States. Here is a link to the EIP Study

Immersive art, in principle, has a simple definition — it’s the creation of a world around the person in a way that makes them feel part of and inside of it. At Voda we are in a unique position to plan events like this. Our founders are both seasoned veterans in both the art world and event design, planning and execution. Given the current situation we are in with the pandemic all of our in-person events are currently on hold until social distancing guidelines are lifted. In the meantime we have an active call for photos. We want your water photos. Whether it be a pristine mountain stream or polluted water, help us raise awareness by submitting your water photos today!