In a surprising legal battle, major trade groups representing U.S. water utilities are challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new limits on toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The utilities, tasked with delivering clean and safe water, have a history of opposing regulations that could improve water quality, according to public health advocates. The History … Read more
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new regulations limiting six perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public water systems. While these guidelines represent a significant step toward reducing exposure, they don’t cover every water source in the US, and they won’t fully take effect for several years. In the meantime, millions of Americans … Read more
Recent research reveals the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in various drinking water sources across the San Francisco Bay Area. The study, published in PLOS Water, found that bottled water, tap water, and treated tap water all contained trihalomethanes (THMs), a group of harmful chemicals formed during water disinfection processes. Widespread Issue Beyond the Bay Area … Read more
A recent report by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) has raised concerns over the safety of fluoride levels in drinking water. The report suggests that fluoride concentrations above twice the recommended limit might be linked to lower IQ in children. This conclusion, based on an extensive review of previously published studies, marks a significant … Read more
Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveal a growing concern about PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, contaminating public drinking water systems across the United States. These so-called “forever chemicals,” known for their durability in the environment, have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer. As part of the EPA’s largest monitoring … Read more
States with Highest PFAS Levels A recent map has highlighted five states with the highest levels of contamination in their drinking water systems, attributed to PFAS—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals.” An analysis has revealed that New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania have the most water systems exceeding proposed PFAS limits. … Read more
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) issued a Boil Water Advisory today after a 20-inch water main broke in Upper Northwest D.C. on Wednesday, May 8, affecting water pressure for 4,800 customers. DC Water considers this advisory a precaution for customers in the impacted area due to water of unknown quality … Read more
In a significant step toward revitalizing America’s drinking water infrastructure, the Biden administration has pledged an additional $3 billion to assist communities in replacing hazardous lead pipes. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the bipartisan infrastructure law, promising a total of $15 billion over five years aimed at modernizing the U.S. water … Read more
Recent research highlights an unsettling variable in water safety across the U.S.: the presence of PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl substances, known for their persistence in the environment and human body. A study detailed in Nature Geoscience by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) reveals that these chemicals, often dubbed “forever chemicals,” appear in significant, and … Read more
In the United States, the issue of fluoride in drinking water has become increasingly contentious, dividing communities from Oregon to North Carolina. The practice, long endorsed for its dental health benefits, is facing renewed scrutiny amidst debates over its necessity and safety. The Case for and Against Fluoridation Fluoride has been a staple in community … Read more