The North is perceived as untouched wilderness - - but cold northern climate acts as a repository for many contaminants that originate in the south. This effects the health of species at the top of the food chain - seals, whales, polar bears and humans - and the contaminants are passed to the young through breast milk. Water Under Fire explores the roots of the mighty MacKenzie River, and exposes a less than pristine environment. The Peace and Athabasca River systems are suffering due to society's burgeoning energy demands. Hydroelectric and oil sands developments are placing ever-greater strains on both rivers. The Peace-Athabasca delta, one of the world's great inlands deltas, is in terrible decline. Lake Athabasca’s commercial fisheries have all but disappeared. Can the Mikisew Cree traditional way of life, so dependent on the old ecology of the lake and delta, ever recover?

Segment Breakdown

• The Bennet Dam 2:02
• Oilsands 5:27
• The Delta 6:25
• The Slave 1:31
• The Price of Gold 6:36
• Diamonds 2:02
• Climate Change 1:56

Production Stills:

Randy Tomiuk on the Pelican Rapids in Fort Smith, Ab.

Bob McDonald at the contaminated Colomac Mine, North of Yellowknife, NWT.

Overflying a tailings pond in the Alberta Oilsands.

Interviewing wetlands expert Suzanne Bayley.

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