Contaminants in drinking water in the USA are a pressing public health issue that can affect millions of people. These contaminants come from various sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, natural mineral deposits, and aging infrastructure. Common contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrates, and bacteria can pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. For example, lead from corroding pipes has been a significant problem in cities like Flint, Michigan, causing long-term developmental and neurological effects in children exposed to the toxic water supply.
Staying informed about water quality is crucial because contamination is not always visible or detectable by taste or smell. Harmful substances like PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are increasingly found in water supplies across the country. These chemicals can accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to cancer, immune system damage, and hormonal disruption. Monitoring water quality reports, conducting home water testing, and understanding local water treatment practices empower individuals to make informed decisions, such as using filters or advocating for improved infrastructure and stricter regulations.
Water quality affects not only individual health but also the broader environment and community well-being. Poor water management can lead to ecosystem degradation, impacting wildlife and agriculture. Communities with limited resources are often disproportionately affected by unsafe drinking water, highlighting the need for equitable access to clean water. By staying informed and actively participating in conversations about water quality, individuals can help push for policies that ensure safe, sustainable water for everyone. Access to clean drinking water is not just a basic human need—it is a fundamental right that requires collective effort to protect.
The following is a list of the top 10 contaminants often found in drinking water in the USA, along with a brief explanation of each:
1. Lead
Commonly enters water through aging pipes and plumbing fixtures. It can cause developmental and neurological damage, particularly in children.
2. Arsenic
Found naturally in the Earth’s crust but can seep into groundwater. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and cardiovascular issues.
3. Nitrates
Often from agricultural runoff containing fertilizers. High levels can lead to “blue baby syndrome” in infants and other health issues.
4. Chlorine and Chloramine
Added to disinfect water but can form harmful byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs), that may pose health risks.
5. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are human-made chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products because they repel water and resist sticking. They’re found in everything from firefighting foam to food packaging, but their ability to persist in the environment has become a significant concern.
Over time, PFAS have made their way into drinking water supplies around the world, creating serious health risks. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily and tend to build up in water sources and the human body. Studies have linked them to cancer, liver damage, and immune system problems.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE about how PFAS contaminate water, their impact on health, ways to test for them, how to remove them, and what’s being done to regulate their use.
6. Bacteria and Viruses
Pathogens like E. coli or Giardia can cause gastrointestinal illness and are typically the result of untreated or poorly treated water sources.
7. Mercury
Often from industrial pollution, mercury can contaminate water and affect the nervous system and kidney function.
8. Pesticides
Runoff from agricultural fields can introduce chemicals like atrazine into drinking water, which may disrupt hormones and increase cancer risks.
9. Radon
A radioactive gas that can dissolve in groundwater and increase the risk of lung cancer when consumed or inhaled.
10. Hexavalent Chromium (Chromium-6)
A toxic heavy metal associated with industrial pollution and linked to cancer and liver damage.
Monitoring water quality and using proper filtration methods can help reduce exposure to these harmful contaminants.
