Ahmedpur, Bangladesh: 2001 (05:00)

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Arsenic in the drinking water is poisoning villagers. Rekha reflects on her illness and the likelihood of death. Her young neighbors Asma and Nazma have severe arsenic poisoning; their uncle Razzak discusses superstition.

National Water Pump Program (04:05)

In the 1970s, UNICEF installs millions of hand pumps to combat surface water bacteria. Shahida Azfar discusses contaminate testing. Prof. Dipankar Chakraborti believes the only possible cause for arsenic contamination is geological.

Arsenic Origins (04:46)

Jamal Anwar believes excessive use of fertilizers is the source of contamination. Shajahan suffers from arsenic poisoning and pedals a rickshaw because he can no longer work. Asma reflects on the death of her mother.

Collective Poisoning (04:18)

Prof. Mahmuder Rahman discusses the prevalence of arsenic poisoning and signs of illness. A doctor examines Asma. Anwar tests water and educates villagers.

Water Treatment (05:02)

Superintendent Yusuf Harun states there is no arsenic according to fixed limits in Bangladesh; Anwar tests the water and finds high arsenic content. The plant pumps waste water back into the river.

Ahmedpur, Bangladesh: 2004 (05:33)

The population continues to consume arsenic-contaminated water; they argue about new wells. BAMSWP director Khoda Bux discusses program funding, actions, patient treatment, and charging for pump testing; the public is responsible for finding drinking water.

Public Health (02:00)

Prof. Quazi Qamruzzaman discusses government accountability; providing free drinking water or using surface water would save many lives.

Health Status Update (07:55)

Nazma is in good health, but Asma is in the hospital. Rekha's health is declining and she cannot afford treatment. Shajahan's illness is getting worse, forcing him to stay at home; he no longer sings.

Water Source (05:53)

The worldwide scientific community works to find sustainable ways of removing arsenic from the water; villagers dig new wells. Nazma and Razzak visit Asma at Dhaka Community Hospital.

Arsenic Poisoning Treatment (05:23)

Homeopathy may be the only effective treatment. Prof. Khuda Bukhsh discusses the effects of Arsenicum Album; drinking water is the greatest contamination source. French doctors arrive to verify arsenic reduction levels.

Villager Update (01:14)

Asma dies from arsenic poisoning on January 1, 2005; Nazma lives in Dhaka and attends school. Rekha's condition has not improved. Shajahan hovers between life and death.

Credits: Devil's Water (05:09)

Credits: Devil's Water