To trace the history of a river... is also to trace the history of the soul....
In both, we constantly seek and stumble upon divinity.
– Gretel Ehrlich, Writer and poet
 

We let a river shower its banks with a spirit that invades the people living there, and we protect that river, knowing that without its blessings the people have no source of soul.
– Thomas Moore, Irish poet

Pisew Falls on the Grass River in northern Manitoba.

Water links us to our neighbour in a way more profound and complex than any other.
– John Thorson, Judge and scholar

Whitemud Falls on the Nelson River in northern Manitoba.

A lake... is Earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.
– Henry David Thoreau, Writer, naturalist, renegade
 

Littoistenjarvi Lake, Finland.

Rivers have what humans most respect and long for in their own lives and thoughts–a capacity for renewal and replenishment, continual energy, creativity, cleansing.
– John M. Kauffman, US Parks Service planner (adapted for inclusivity)

Ice and mist on a river.

An element of sacredness flows in every river–the sacredness of life itself....
When a river is dammed, its sacredness is compromised. 
– Interfaith Task Force on Northern Hydro Development, Statement of Views, 2010

Itaipu Dam, Border of Paraguay and Brazil (2nd largest hydro dam in the world)

The water understands / Civilization well...
Well used, it decketh joy,
 / Adorneth, doubleth joy:

Ill used, it will destroy,
 / In perfect time and measure

With a face of golden pleasure
 / Elegantly destroy.
– From the poem "Water" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Cleveland Dam, British Columbia.