Bottled Water Versus Safer Ways to Stay Hydrated

Bottled water containers with frowny faces arranged in rows, showing cracks and scratches, symbolizing negative health and environmental impacts.

Bottled water has become a staple for many, with 5% of Americans relying on it for most of their hydration and only 10% drinking exclusively tap water. Yet, experts argue that this preference might not be as beneficial as commonly believed. A recent commentary published in BMJ Global Health highlights concerns about the health and … Read more

Update: Advisory Issued for Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers

Map showing Virginia Department of Health update on partially lifted recreational water and fish consumption advisories.

UPDATE: Partial Lifting of Advisories The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has lifted sections of the recreational water and fish consumption advisories initially issued following a chemical storage facility fire on July 6. The affected area includes a portion of the Meherrin River, starting at Route 138 (Union Mill Road) and flowing southeast through Lawrenceville … Read more

URGENT: Boil Water Alert for Residents in Washington, D.C.

Alert Boil Water Notice in Washington, D.C. with a steaming pot in the foreground.

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

$3 Billion Allotted To Remove Lead Pipes

Worker holding a section of an old, corroded lead pipe with "Toxic Lead Pipes" text overlay.

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

URGENT: Boil Water Alert for Residents in Wilmington, IL

Boil Water Advisory Alert for Wilmington, IL with a steaming pot on a stove.

In the wake of a declared state of emergency resulting from severe flooding, the city of Wilmington, Illinois, has issued a citywide boil water advisory. This precautionary measure, urged by city officials, mandates residents to boil water prior to using it for drinking or cooking. Located roughly an hour southwest of Chicago, Wilmington faces significant … Read more

URGENT: Boil Water Alert for Residents in Jackson, MS

Boil water alert notice for Jackson, Mississippi with a boiling pot of water.

WARNING – JACKSON, MI In an urgent development for residents of Jackson, Mississippi, and the nearby suburb of Flowood, health authorities have mandated a boil water notice following the detection of E. coli bacteria within the local water supply. This alert underscores the persistent challenges facing Jackson’s water system, which has struggled to maintain public … Read more

55 PFAS in 1,400 Pesticides According to Maine

Worker spraying pesticides in a lush field, potentially exposing the environment to PFAS.

Maine’s groundbreaking analysis reveals a concerning presence of PFAS chemicals in pesticides. This analysis, conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), shows that over 1,400 pesticides include active ingredients classified as PFAS. These toxic “forever chemicals” are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. Maine stands as the first state to … Read more

High Lead Levels Detected in California Child Care Centers

School water fountain covered in rust and grime.

Critical Findings Demand Immediate Attention Recent investigations in California have unveiled alarming levels of lead in drinking water at nearly 1,700 child care centers. This revelation highlights a significant health risk to the state’s youngest residents, necessitating urgent measures to ensure their safety. The initiative, propelled by Assembly Bill 2370, underscores the critical need for … Read more

Massive Sewage Spill at Great Bridge Lock

Health advisory sign warning against recreational activities in water due to sewage spill at Great Bridge Lock.

A significant environmental incident occurred at the Great Bridge Lock in Chesapeake, where approximately 2.5 million gallons of wastewater spilled into a canal leading to the Elizabeth River. This event prompted immediate action from local health officials and environmental agencies to mitigate risks and inform the public. The Incident and Immediate Response The spill was … Read more

URGENT: Boil Water Alert for Residents in Virginia Beach, VA

Alert notice for Virginia Beach Boil Water Advisory with a boiling pot of water.

In an unexpected turn of events, a significant portion of Virginia Beach found itself under a boil advisory late Friday evening. This precautionary measure, primarily affecting the area around Princess Anne Road, came as a direct result of a damaged water valve. This incident, caused by contractor work near Princess Anne Road and South Independence … Read more