WATCH: ‘NOVA’ Tackles the Science Behind Flint’s Toxic Water Supply

By Sameer Rao Jun 01, 2017

Last night’s (May 31) episode of PBS and WGBH Boston’s flagship science program "NOVA" investigated the engineering and chemical factors behind Flint, Michigan’s lead-poisoned water.

The aptly titled "Poisoned Water" examines Michigan officials‘ 2014 decision to save money by switching the predominantly Black city’s water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The switch, which necessitated using 40-year-old water pipes connected to the river, induced a chemical reaction that flooded Flint residents’ taps with the pipes’ corroded lead.

Narrated by actor Joe Morton ("Scandal"), "Poisoned Water" illustrates the crisis’ scientific underpinnings via interviews with Flint resident LeAnne Walters, Environmental Protection Agency whistleblower Miguel Del Toral, civil engineer Marc Edwards and Hurley Medical Center pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha—all of whom brought national attention to the water’s hazardous impact on the health of Flint’s residents.

Watch "Poisoned Water" above or via PBS.org.