In this article, it is discovered that a massive leak sprung from a defunct mine in Southern Colorado, contaminating the Animas River. The spill caused lead levels 12,000 times higher than usual to arise in the river, concerning homeowners and businesses in the general area of being contaminated themselves. The theme of geography Nature Culture relates to this article because the people in this region rely on the river water on a daily basis. It is their source of water for irrigating their crops, drinking water, and more. Due to this accident, businesses shut down and people moved from their homes because they interact with and rely on the river water so closely. Nature culture plays a major role in our lives whether we believe that or not. What is the best way to respond to this dilemma? Will Southern Colorado return to being populated along the Animas River? Sudden issues leave us wondering questions along these lines.