A recent study has uncovered a concerning link between wastewater treatment plants and the contamination of drinking water with persistent “forever chemicals.” These substances, primarily associated with prescribed drugs and industrial pollutants, may be exposing millions of Americans to potential health risks as conventional treatment methods fail to eliminate them. Moreover, climate change is exacerbating … Read more
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) in Virginia Beach has begun notifying residents about the potential presence of lead in private water service lines as part of a compliance effort with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Revised Lead and Copper Rule. The City has mapped all known public and private water service line materials, accessible … Read more
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are a group of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals designed to resist breaking down, both in the environment and in human bodies. Originally developed in the 1940s, PFAS compounds have been widely used for their remarkable nonstick, waterproof, and stain-resistant properties. But in recent years, as … Read more
About 23 million U.S. households rely on private wells as their main source of drinking water. Unlike those using public water systems, these homeowners are solely responsible for ensuring their water is safe to consume. The situation raises a pressing question: Is the water from these private wells safe? Inconsistent Testing Among Private Well Owners … Read more
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) headquarters in Baltimore has temporarily closed after legionella bacteria were discovered in the building’s water supply. Legionella, which can cause the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease, prompted immediate action to protect staff. Concerning Legionella Legionnaires’ disease has become a growing concern. According to the CDC, reports of Legionnaires’ … Read more
Newly-released data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals that 20 more drinking water systems in North Carolina are contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances persist in the environment and accumulate in human blood and organs, raising significant health concerns. The Scope of Contamination Across the United States, … Read more
The pervasive contamination of drinking water sources by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” near military installations across the United States has become a pressing environmental and public health issue. These substances, particularly PFOA and PFOS, have been detected in alarming concentrations in private wells, raising concerns about the long-term effects … Read more
Recent findings have spotlighted the pervasive presence of “forever chemicals” in water systems across Virginia, posing potential health risks to residents. This comprehensive analysis stems from a groundbreaking U.S. Geological Survey study, revealing that these synthetic compounds, formally known as PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances), are contaminating drinking water sources nationwide. Their omnipresence in both … Read more