The community of Fazendinhas Baú, in the municipality of Pompéu (MG), was one of those devastated by the Vale dam disaster in Brumadinho in 2019. Beyond coping with widespread destruction caused by the dam collapse—including property depreciation, bans on using the river for work and recreation, and the loss of tourism and local commerce—residents face another grave issue: water insecurity. Ever since the collapse, residents have requested potable mineral water from Vale, yet their pleas are systematically rejected by the mining corporation. Reports of families suffering from thirst just meters from the Paraopeba River or forced to rely on contaminated well water causing skin conditions and intestinal illness are common. The documentary reveals the arduous struggle of Fazendinhas Baú residents for access to clean, safe drinking water.
Fazendinhas Baú: Community affected by mining company Vale fights for the right to water
