"Poison Water" is a clever play on the names adopted by privatized utility companies who are still the focus for many complaints regarding increased charges and the reckless discharge of harmful matter into the water system. This incident from 1988 and the allegations of a cover-up to minimize liability is a timely reminder of the greed surrounding the industry and the continuing need for vigilance...
Here's how to watch "Poison Water" online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE
"Poison Water" premieres on BBC Two at 9.00 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, November 26. It will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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Admittedly, the incident that led to 20 tonnes of aluminum sulphate being added to the water supply was accidental - a relief tanker driver deposited it in the wrong place at the Lowermoor Water Treatment Works in Cornwall - but the time it took the relevant authority (The South West Water Authority) to alert the affected population in Camelford and the accusation for the reasons behind the delay are at the heart of the scandal.
The maximum aluminum concentration admissible under European Community rules at the time was 0.2 milligrams per litre, this recorded concentration was up to 620 mpl. The effects were felt immediately. Dr Doug Cross, a biologist and resident of Camelford, remembered his wife Carol remarking that the water from the tap was stinging her skin and turned the soap bright blue. Carol died of a rare form of Alzheimer's in 2004 and excessive levels of aluminum were detected in her brain.
There were other individuals who suspected deleterious long-term effects to their health once there undeniable short-term distress and symptoms had subsided. The suggestion (denied and as yet unproven) was that the delay may have been encouraged at the highest levels of the Thatcher government in the name of not panicking the stock market in the run-up to the privatization of the utility. Those affected are still adamant there has been a miscarriage of justice.
Read on to find out how to watch "Poison Water" online, on TV and from anywhere.
How to watch 'Poison Water' for FREE in the U.K.
How to watch 'Poison Water' abroad
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Poison Water" should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favorite is NordVPN.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "Poison Water" online and on-demand.
How to watch 'Poison Water' around the world
Can I watch 'Poison Water' in the U.S., Australia, Canada or New Zealand?
Unfortunately, it appears "Poison Water" will be a U.K. exclusive with no streaming options in the U.S., Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
U.K. resident visiting one of these countries? Use NordVPN to access your BBC iPlayer stream.
'Poison Water' - Key figures
- Dr Doug Cross - A biologist who lived in Camelford. He tested the contaminated water and has been a prominent critic of how the incident was handled
- Carol Cross - Doug's wife, who died in 2004 from a rare form of dementia. Very high aluminium levels were found in her brain. Her case is often used to illustrate possible long-term health effects of the poisoning
- Christopher Exley - Researcher (chemistry/ bioinorganic) who gave evidence at an inquest into Carol Cross’s death and has been linked to analysing aluminium exposure in the incident
- Michael Rose - The coroner who, at the inquest into Carole Cross’s death, said the water authority had “gambled” with up to 20,000 lives
- John Stephens - The tanker driver who accidentally tipped about 20 tonnes of aluminium sulphate into the wrong tank at the Lowermoor water treatment works, causing the contamination
- John Lewis & Leslie Nicks - Managers at the South West Water Authority who, according to later evidence, realised the cause quite quickly but did not immediately warn the public
- Michael Howard - Future leader of the Conservative Party but then Minister of State for Water and Planning and involved in the subsequent privatization of the water industry
'Poison Water' - FAQ
What were the recorded short-term effects of exposure to the contaminated water? And the more long-term?
Amongst the many recorded incidents of acute symptoms and distress, the most common short-term effects were diarrhoea and vomiting, urinary complaints, blistering and peeling of skin, joint pains and hair turning blue or green.
Long-term, the effects are disputed and difficult to prove but abnormal levels of aluminum have been recorded in several autopsies (such as that of Carol Cross) and studies have drawn links between the occurrence of premature ageing, fibromyalgia, loss of short-term memory and multiple chemical sensitivity and several individuals affected by the pollution.
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Lots – including "Riot Women", "Mr Nobody Against Putin", "Tár", "Doctor Who: Joy to the World", "Strictly Come Dancing", "Outnumbered" and plenty more.
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