'PLANET H2O' on Public Television Circles the Globe to Bring Young Viewers the Story of the World's Most Vital Resource.

NEW YORK -- PLANET H2O, a two-part special focusing on fresh water systems around the world and their impact on land, air and living things, premieres on public television stations in April to mark Earth Day (check local listings). The new magazine-style program from Thirteen/WNET New York and distributed nationally by American Public Television helps teens and pre-teens understand the interconnection between water and every life-form on Earth, using stories about young people and what they are doing about water conservation. The first episode is hosted by actress Sara Paxton (Darcy's Wild Life). The second episode is hosted by actress America Ferrera (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Real Women Have Curves).

"Our goal with PLANET H2O is to promote a balanced stewardship of the earth's fresh water while helping make science as exciting as it is meaningful to the daily lives of kids and teenagers," says executive producer Maura Kelly.

Education and action are a primary focus of PLANET H2O, which helps motivate kids to get involved by featuring stories of teens who help make a difference.

Program One, "The Secret Life of Water," illustrates the importance of water management and conservation. Program segments explore the Rio Grande river, new water-saving farming technologies and the booming business of bottled water.

Understanding the central role watersheds play in the availability of clean, fresh water is key to Program Two, "Water World." Program segments examine water systems in the Amazon, a teenager's foundation that helps build wells around the world, efforts to save the Chesapeake Bay and perspectives on the sharing of water.

The program's Web companion H2O ONLINE, www.thirteen.org/H2O, features an interactive section where kids can explore maps, water pollution hot-spots around the world, and a "day in the life" of a water scientist. The educators section includes lesson plans, activities and resources for use in classroom and after-school programs.

Thirteen is working in partnership with public television stations and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Urban Park Rangers, the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation and The Association of Science-Technology Centers to extend PLANET H2O's free distribution to teachers and after-school educators.

Maura Kelly is executive producer of PLANET H2O. Naomi Edelson is senior producer. Ian Saunders is lead science consultant.

PLANET H2O is made possible by the Toyota USA Foundation, with additional funding from The Educational Foundation of America, The Anbinder Family Foundation and The Korein Foundation.

More information about PLANET H2O and downloadable images are available for press usage in the Thirteen Online Pressroom at http://thirteen.org/pressroom. Just type in "Planet H2O."