The compelling Severance water theory and what it means, explained in full

There are loads of theories about what Lumon really does. But arguably, one of the most compelling Severance theories of them all is the water theory.

Since day one, everyone has been desperate to find out loads of things about the show and the company within it. What the hell even is The Board? What does Lumon do? What’s the end goal here? Of course, Reddit and TikTok goes completely wild discussing everything.

One of the big topics is the Severance water theory. This links to what the possible end goal for Lumon Industries could be, and what the Macrodata Refinement (MDR) team is up to every day. Here’s it explained.

What is the Severance water theory?

@jbuckstudios

Replying to @JBuck I’ve been rewatching Severance for Season 2, and is it weird that there’s so much focus on water? Like what’s the deal with Lumon and water??🤔 #severance #theory #severancetvshow #appletvplus #MustWatch #TikTokPartner @Apple TV

♬ Main Titles – Theodore Shapiro

The water theory is fascinating, because it’s based on stacks of evidence. A TikToker has shared an entire explainer on it, and it just makes sense. They pointed out water is mentioned multiple times in every episode, and Lumon’s logo is literally a water drop. Plus, there’s that huge water tower in the parking lot. And the famous painting of Kier Eagen looking out across the water.

“I believe that Lumon is on the hunt for water or is the control of water,” the TikToker explained. He then pointed out that every single (yes every single one) file name we see the team sifting through, either has water in it, or is named after a dam or reservoir. Every file name is associated with a water source. It’s too much of a coincidence.

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“Water is somehow Lumon’s goal,” he said. After more research, which you can see in the video above, the TikToker said: “Lumon is gaining control of the world’s water – the last resource they don’t fully dominate – to either exploit people or control people. It’s some sort of brainwashing mumbo jumbo control thing.”

Someone in the comments has added to this, and said: “When I auditioned for the show is was called Tumwater NOT Severance so I think that’s really important somehow.”

via AppleTV

The main task we see MDR working on is Cold Harbour. Someone on Reddit noted this too could be linked to the water theory. “Harbour” has one literal definition of meaning: “Give a home or shelter to (an organism). The water can become stagnant, harbouring bacteria and other micro-organisms.”

People have also noted one of that a lot of parts of Severance hint “there’s something in the water.” Small details such as that all severed employees are supposed to wash their hands at least 10 times per day according to the handbook. And we know the soap is from Lumon.

Whilst we can’t be sure what Lumon is up to until the show tells us, it feels to significant for all of these hints to mean nothing. So, does Lumon control water? Is Lumon putting something in people’s water? I need to know!

Season two of Severance is on AppleTV. For more like this, and the latest pop culture updates, like The Tab on Facebook.