There's Something in the Water (2019) on Netflix
NR20191h 13mDocumentary
In Nova Scotia, Black and First Nations communities face contaminated well water and water pollution. Louise Delisle and Dorene Bernard work to protect their communities and their land.
- Netflix3.7/5
- IMDb6.7/10521 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes79%
Trailer
Plot summary
Outside Shelburne, a Black community lives with contaminated well water and elevated cancer rates that went unaddressed. At Pictou Landing First Nation, residents have dealt with water pollution in Boat Harbour. The Sipekneꞌkatik First Nation is fighting a plan by the Alton Gas company to put salt brine into the Shubenacadie River. In each case the harm falls on Black and First Nations communities, and the women leading the efforts include Louise Delisle, a local activist, and Dorene Bernard, a water protector. Ingrid Waldron, whose book gives the film its title, has written on environmental racism in the province. Interviews with residents and organizers, along with archival news footage, follow their campaigns.
Cast
- Ingrid Waldronas Self - Author of "There's Something in the Water"
- Louise Delisleas Self - Local Activist
- Michelle Francis-Dennyas Self - Community Liaison, Boat Harbour Remediation Project
- John Batesas Self - Head of Nova Scotia Water Authority (archive footage)
- Jolene Marras Self
- Michelle Paulas Self
- Darlene Gilbertas Self
- Madonna Bernardas Self
- Carol Howeas Self
- Rebecca Mooreas Self
Show all 15 cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about There's Something in the Water (2019)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Partly because of the awareness the documentary raised, Canada's House of Commons passed a bill in March 2023 to address environmental racism, and it received royal assent in June 2024.
- Elliot Page paid for the documentary out of his own pocket, spending $350,000 of his own money on it.
