Downstream traces the path of water from farms to lakeside economies. In Kankakee, IL, we follow a corn-belt farmer, Jeff, as he works to address the problem of nutrient runoff—keeping fertilizers out of waterways where they can lead to harmful algal blooms downstream. On the Ohio shore of Lake Erie, the endpoint of a neighboring watershed, we hear from a charter captain, shop owner, and restaurant owner, and see the domino effect of algal blooms on drinking water and their local economy. Meanwhile, Jeff strives to get other farmers to adopt the uncommon farming practices that can benefit both water quality and the farmers’ bottom line.

See more about the Just Earth: Films for a Sustainable Future project with Toward Common Cause.