An update to a 2021 report from the Environmental Working Group reveals tap water contains contaminants linked to cancer, brain damage and other serious health ailments.
The organization’s database, released this week, shows evidence of contamination from multiple toxic substances in the drinking water of tens of millions of households in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to a news release this week.
The database also underscores the need for stricter federal water quality standards, said officials, who called for nationwide funding of infrastructure improvements.
“EWG’s Tap Water Database offers a panoramic view of what drinking water quality looks like when the federal office meant to protect our water is in an advanced stage of regulatory capture,” EWG President Ken Cook said in the release.
The group’s researchers and scientists spent more that two years collecting and analyzing U.S. water contaminant test data from nearly 50,000 water systems.
Pollutants they’ve detected include arsenic, lead, and chemicals known as PFAs.
“The Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water has demonstrated for decades that it is utterly incapable of standing up to pressure from water utilities and polluters to protect human health from the dozens of toxic contaminants in America’s drinking water,” Cook said.
The database offers searchable safety assessments developed by Environmental Working Group scientists.
For instance, in the city of San Diego, according to the database, tap water was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards. Nevertheless, researchers found 30 total contaminants. In Carlsbad tap water, 33 were detected.
“With more funding, stronger federal safety standards and a greater focus on helping historically disadvantaged areas, safe water could finally be a given for all communities across the country,” Cook said. “Until then, EWG’s Tap Water Database will continue to be a key part of our work to help consumers and communities learn about the true scope of the problem, empower themselves and advocate for better water quality.”
The database also explains the standards the Environmental Working Group has created for tap water contaminants, and provides guidance for choosing effective water filters.
“Our government needs to wake up to the fact that clean water is a human right, regardless of race, income or politics,” noted consumer advocate Erin Brockovich in a release. “Achieving true water equity means getting everyone – every single person – in this country access to affordable, safe tap water they can trust will not poison them and their loved ones.”
– City News Service