Thundering Waters: The Toxic Legacy of Niagara Falls

by Christen E Civiletto

Genres: Nonfiction

360 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2026

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, in the purest definition of the word. The story of what was done to Niagara Falls and it's citizens is mind blowing and infuriating. As an area resident, the contamination is widely known, but it's the scope of it that is truly astounding. Sure, everyone's heard of Love Canal, but did you know that was the SMALL DUMP? Cuz I sure didn't. It's just incredible. Page after page, it makes you sick to think of how much harm was done, and is still being done.

The world needs to know the larger story, because it just keeps repeating and repeating, here and around the world.

My only complaint is the lack of maps. Especially as an area resident reading this book, I wish I could have flipped to some pages of maps that showed the historical sites spoken about as well as the modern hot spots.

[LINDSAY S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even put into words how monumentally important this book is. The author is an amazing story-teller, weaving personal experiences into centuries-long history of the Mighty Niagara. With 80 pages of notes/index, it is far more than just a story. Civiletto has the receipts.

This book should be in every personal and public library in New York State, if not the entire country.