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An examination of 65 of the 3,000 largest utilities found cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, Providence, R.I., and Portland, Me., are "manipulating the results of tests used to detect lead in water, violating federal law and putting millions of Americans at risk,'' The Washington Post said. More than 250 major cities currently exceed the EPA's lead standards, and many of them have been deceptive, or even fraudulent in their reporting of the problems. -- NBC Nightly News "Each day, millions of Americans turn on their taps and get water that exceeds the legal limits for dangerous contaminants." -- USA Today, Special Report Water contaminated with viruses or bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, cancer, and reproductive/developmental issues. There are up to 40 million waterborne illnesses annually. Water becomes contaminated if there is a break in a water main. Lead in drinking water may account for 20% of a person’s exposure. Contaminated well water is present in all 50 states. How does water get contaminated?
Any breach/rupture in the water mains (200,000 reported in 2002) Corroded pipes Overflowing/leaking septic tanks Pollution/Pesticide/Agricultural runoff. The EPA only regulates 87 of the thousands of possible contaminants.
Who is at risk?
Children are at risk because they drink more water per unit of weight than adults, and they metabolize and excrete toxins less efficiently. Older adults are at risk because of decreased blood flow to liver and kidneys. Anyone drinking well water (where bacteria may be present), or water from an unregulated source (where possible biological contaminants are not killed by properly regulated water treatment facilities). Those who may be drinking from a water source where a water main has unknowingly been breached (especially rural areas). Is Bottled Water Better? Bottled water is not necessarily safer than tap water; up to 25% of the bottled water in the U.S. is actually tap water. Furthermore, bottled water falls under the jurisdiction of the FDA as opposed to the EPA, and has significantly less rigorous standards with regards to possible contaminants contained therein. What Can You Do?
Filter ALL the tap water used for drinking, through a charcoal filter to reduce lead, radon, and arsenic (especially when preparing baby formula).
Know where your water comes from. Is it regulated by the city? Susceptible to agricultural runoff?
If applicable, pump/professionally inspect your septic tank regularly.
If you drink well water, have it tested annually by the local Health Dept.
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