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A Toronto Star investigation examines the reasons for an environmental disaster that has caused seven deaths in Walkerton, a rural Ontario town. The investigation shows that the water of the town has been contaminated with a deadly bacteria from animals' waste. The reporters point to "20 years of reckless mismanagement by government" and "severe cutbacks in water protection money in mid 1990s" as main reasons for the disaster. Among the major findings is the fact that the town's water has been repeatedly contaminated with the fetal bacteria since 1978. The story reveals that government officials have been aware of the problem, but unwilling to tell the public. The investigation also shows that water contamination is threatening many towns across Ontario, as they are "not properly testing their water or treating it with chlorine."