Water Contaminants in US Raise Health Concerns: Study

Recent research conducted by the University of New Mexico has raised alarming concerns about the quality of water in many wells and community water systems throughout the United States. The study has identified unsafe levels of known or suspected carcinogens, prompting urgent calls for upgrades to the nation’s water infrastructure. 

This eye-opening study, which was published last month in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, emerged as a result of discussions among senior scientists who specialize in dealing with water contaminants.

According to Johnnye Lewis, a co-author of the study and professor emerita in the university’s Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the research team observed that these contaminants are frequently present in drinking water sources at levels that are not considered safe, and there are multiple factors contributing to this concerning situation. 

Among the contaminants detected in the study were arsenic, uranium, fracking fluids, lead, nitrates, chlorinated disinfection byproducts, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS compounds have been linked to a wide range of health problems and have prompted government action to address their presence in the environment and drinking water. 

Lewis explained that some of these contaminants, like uranium, arsenic, and nitrates, are commonly found in groundwater, which can sometimes be the primary source of drinking water for communities. One significant concern highlighted by the study is the potential for these chemicals to mix in the water supply.

The researchers noted that there has been limited investigation into the interactions and impacts of these chemical mixtures. Lewis emphasized that understanding the effects of chemical combinations is an emerging field of study, and the composition of these mixtures can vary significantly from one community to another. 

Furthermore, the study authors underscored that while larger water systems may have the capacity to remove or dilute some of these chemicals, not all Americans have access to such advanced water infrastructure. The research revealed that more than 43 million Americans rely on private wells for their drinking water, whereas approximately 320 million Americans are served by community water systems. 

Considering these findings, the study emphasizes the critical need for substantial investments in upgrading the nation’s drinking water infrastructure. The authors called for more stringent chemical safety testing to ensure the safety of drinking water sources. 

The study’s authors also expressed concerns about the impact of droughts on water supply and demand. As droughts become increasingly common and severe, there is a growing risk of limited access to clean water sources. Lewis highlighted recent challenges faced in the Western United States due to drought conditions. 

The University of New Mexico’s research has shed light on the presence of hazardous contaminants in drinking water sources across the United States. This study underscores the urgent necessity for infrastructure improvements to ensure the safety of drinking water and the importance of rigorous chemical safety testing. As water scarcity issues intensify, safeguarding clean water sources becomes paramount to public health and well-being. 

Journal Reference  

Levin, R., Villanueva, C.M., Beene, D. et al. US drinking water quality: exposure risk profiles for seven legacy and emerging contaminants. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-023-00597-z.