I have traveled a lot in the past, and was once warned not to drink water in the Rockies, due to many years of intensive mining and contamination with heavy metals.

I also understand that the heavy metals (like arsenic) used in mining are accumulative in the body.

Does anyone have any opinions on this? Does the rule of drink-or-die apply in these areas, or is it drink-AND-die? Is the amount of toxins you would assimilate in two weeks or so be deadly or treatable?

I would try to collect dew or rainwater in this area, but you know how Murphy's Law works.

I'm just interested in the heavy metals issue, not other contaminants.

Sue