Part 1: The City

In our first episode we examine how the history and legend of pure Rocky Mountain water blinded many Denver residents to water contamination issues. Not until the Flint Water Crisis did authorities start investigating potential lead poisoning within the Denver Community.

A brief history on the vital role the South Platte River played in the lives of native tribes and in the founding of Denver provides context for the modern issues still effecting the Denver water systems. The recent detection of lead in the drinking water, caused by the corrosion of lead service lines into private homes and businesses, precipitated a legal battle and a large-scale Lead Reduction Program spearheaded by Denver Water.