Dennis Quaid Says the Real-Life Texas Water Fight That Drew Him to “Water Wars” was ‘Almost Biblical’ (Exclusive)

**Dennis Quaid Narrates Documentary on Water Rights Battle in Texas**

Dennis Quaid lends his voice to a new documentary titled *Water Wars*, which explores a critical water rights struggle in Texas. The film is set to premiere on Prime Video on 4th September and takes viewers into the heart of an ongoing dispute over the invaluable resource of groundwater in Dell City, a remote area in the West Texas desert that is often referred to as the “Valley of Hidden Waters.”

Quaid, who hails from Texas, is well aware of the pivotal role water plays in the survival of communities in the region. His connection to the subject runs deep, as he spent several years living on a ranch in Montana, where he gained firsthand knowledge of the significance of water rights. In the documentary, Quaid refers to water as “liquid blue gold” and highlights how it can be a matter of survival for both people and land.

The narrative of *Water Wars* reaches a dramatic climax with events that unfolded in 2008. As the film outlines, tensions escalated when the city of El Paso began offering enticing water deals to neighbouring landowners, resulting in discord within the tight-knit community of Dell City. The introduction of new regulations by the local water board, allegedly influenced by wealthy individuals, left many residents feeling sidelined and led to a legal battle.

At the centre of this controversy is Phil Guitar, a rancher whose family history in Dell City runs deep. Guitar became one of the key figures in challenging the water district when his claims to water access were rejected. Collaborating with attorney Russ Johnson, Guitar’s quest for justice culminated in the landmark Texas Supreme Court case, *Guitar Holding Co., L.P. v. Hudspeth County Underground Water Conservation District No. 1*. The court ultimately ruled against the water district, deeming their regulations concerning groundwater transfer beyond their legal authority.

Quaid reflects on his own experiences in Montana, where the acquisition of water rights was crucial for sustaining ranching. He notes that those residing further downstream inherently held preferential claims to water from shared sources, illustrating the complexities that arise in managing such a vital resource. “Water is a thing you just got to have,” he states, emphasising its fundamental importance in rural life.

For Quaid, the most compelling aspect of the documentary is how it illustrates the struggles faced by the underdogs in the water rights fight. He draws parallels to classic tales such as “David and Goliath” and “Hatfields and McCoys,” suggesting that the conflict is not merely legal but carries a deeper sense of moral and social significance.

Austin-based director Mario Mattei shares a similar view of Guitar’s resilience, describing how his continued fight for fairness resonates with the spirit of the American West. He acknowledges that while neighbouring farmers benefited from water rights, Guitar’s ongoing battle reflects the principles of equality and justice, not only for his family but for others who could not afford the legal avenues to fight back.

The implications of the 2008 Texas Supreme Court ruling reverberate through the state’s water laws to this day, making the documentary particularly relevant in today’s climate. Quaid believes audiences will find *Water Wars* to be rich in narrative depth and is quick to dispel any notions of it being a mundane subject. “I think [viewers will] be surprised it’s not dry at all,” he remarks. “Watching it is like watching a really good movie. Only this is true.”

As the documentary approaches its release on streaming platforms, it promises to provide not only an insightful exploration of water rights in Texas but also a gripping human story filled with conflict, principles, and ultimately, the quest for survival in a resource-scarce environment. With Dennis Quaid’s passionate narration, *Water Wars* is set to resonate with viewers far beyond the boundaries of Texas.