Waters of Gold

This documentary describes the history of hydraulic mining in Nevada County, California. It begins by describing the early days of placer mining, where miners used picks, shovels, and gold pans to extract gold from rivers and streams. As the easily accessible gold was depleted, miners turned to hydraulic mining, which used high-pressure water jets to dislodge gold-bearing gravel. This method, while efficient, caused significant environmental damage due to the large amounts of debris it released into rivers and streams. The documentary details the conflict between hydraulic miners and downstream farmers, who suffered from the pollution and flooding caused by mining debris. Legal battles ensued, culminating in a landmark court decision in 1884 that effectively banned hydraulic mining. The documentary concludes by discussing the lasting impact of hydraulic mining on the region and the ongoing efforts to balance the economic benefits of mining with environmental concerns.