All articles tagged with #drinking water
More than a dozen Republican attorneys general urged the EPA to classify the abortion drug mifepristone as a drinking-water contaminant, claiming abortion-pill remnants pollute waterways — a contention with little scientific backing that critics say is part of a broader anti-abortion political push amid safety reviews and access battles.
A new study using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy and electron microscopy finds nanoplastics in U.S. drinking water—both tap and bottled—at 10–100x higher concentrations than prior estimates, with bottled water containing about three times more nanoplastics. Health impacts are not well understood, but researchers caution that reducing exposure is prudent.
A large, preliminary U.S. study found an association between drinking-water sources and Parkinson’s disease: people using newer groundwater recharged in the past ~70–75 years and carbonate aquifers showed higher risk, while older groundwater and non-carbonate aquifers showed lower risk. The study, covering over 1.2 million people across 21 aquifers, does not prove causation and has limitations, but suggests groundwater age and source may relate to long‑term brain health and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting.
A sweeping AP investigation finds that PFAS, the so‑called forever chemicals, are quietly contaminating drinking water wells across the United States, including many private wells that homeowners may not test or even know are contaminated, raising health concerns and exposing gaps in monitoring and accountability that communities are pushing to close.
UC Berkeley researchers found that stored household drinking water in Kenyan communities is a major source of E. coli transmission, including antibiotic-resistant strains, and suggest that chlorinated water could reduce infections and improve community health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., poised to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in the next Trump administration, aims to remove fluoride from drinking water, sparking debates over its benefits and harms. While fluoride is considered a major public health achievement for improving oral health, it faces opposition in places like Portland, Oregon, the largest U.S. city without fluoridated water. Recent local votes in Oregon reflect the growing national debate on this issue.
A newly identified chemical byproduct, chloronitramide anion, has been found in the drinking water of about a third of U.S. homes, raising concerns about its potential toxicity. This byproduct forms when water is treated with chloramine, a common disinfectant. Although its health effects are unknown, its similarity to other toxic chemicals warrants further investigation. The discovery highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing water disinfection with potential health risks from byproducts. Researchers emphasize the need for more studies to determine the chemical's safety.
Alabama is still struggling with drinking water contamination by "forever chemicals," with numerous systems testing far over the new federal limits for PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals linked to health problems. While some systems have made improvements, others continue to exceed the limits, prompting the need for specialized filters and potential legal action against PFAS manufacturers. The EPA's new rules aim to remove these chemicals from drinking water to almost non-existent levels by 2029, with health advocates emphasizing the significant public health impact of these new regulations.
Dozens of public water utility systems in Texas have reported exceeding the new federal limits for five "forever chemicals" in drinking water, known as PFAS. These chemicals, which do not break down and can persist in water and soil indefinitely, have been found in the blood of nearly 97% of all Americans and have been linked to serious health problems. The new EPA standards aim to reduce exposure for 100 million people nationwide and require water utilities to meet the limits within five years. However, the cost of removing PFAS from drinking water is expected to be substantial, and some cities are considering legal action against chemical manufacturers.
The EPA has finalized drinking water standards for PFAS, a class of forever chemicals, with a new limit set at 4 parts per trillion. Around 35 million people in the US are living in areas not in compliance with the new limits, including over 200,000 in Delaware. Five water systems in Delaware have detections above the new PFAS limits, impacting over 266,000 people in the state. The state has been involved in PFAS-related litigation and cleanup efforts, with ongoing efforts to address contamination and upgrade water treatment systems.
More than 600 water systems in the US have reported levels of PFAS, toxic "forever chemicals," above new EPA limits, affecting nearly 35 million people. The chemicals, used in various products, pose serious health risks and have been detected in water systems across the country. While some cities have exceeded the limits at higher rates, the EPA is phasing in the new standards over the next several years, with potential penalties for violations starting in five years. Meeting the new standards could cost billions, and while the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes funding to address PFAS contamination, ongoing maintenance costs may still pose challenges for many communities.
Millions of residents in Bogotá, Colombia, are being forced to ration drinking water as the city's reservoirs have reached critically low levels, with the mayor urging people to save water. The shortage is attributed to long weeks without rain due to the El Niño phenomenon, affecting the Chingaza water system that supplies 70% of the city's drinking water. The Bogotá Aqueduct and Sewer Company has implemented alternating suspensions or rationing of drinking water, affecting over 10 million people, and is advising water-saving measures such as reusing rainwater and reducing shower and irrigation usage.
The Biden administration has established the first national standard to limit "forever chemicals" in drinking water, aiming to reduce exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are linked to various health problems. The new standard sets legally enforceable limits for five specific PFAS chemicals and provides funding to help water systems comply. While environmentalists see this as a monumental step forward, some critics argue that the cost of compliance may outweigh the public health benefits, and there are calls for broader regulation covering the entire class of PFAS chemicals.
The EPA has announced the first-ever national standard for "forever chemicals" in drinking water, limiting six types of PFAS to protect around 100 million people from exposure. The new rule requires water systems to monitor and reduce PFAS levels over the next few years, with funding available to help states and territories comply. The Biden administration expects the standard to prevent severe illness and death, as PFAS exposure has been linked to various health issues. While some industry groups oppose the rule, the EPA believes it is a significant step in addressing the PFAS crisis.
The Biden administration has implemented the first national drinking water limits on toxic PFAS, requiring utilities to reduce them to the lowest measurable level, aiming to reduce exposure for 100 million people and prevent illnesses. The rule sets strict limits on certain PFAS chemicals, with water providers having to test and inform the public of high levels. While health advocates praise the move, water utilities express concerns about the cost and impact on small communities. The EPA expects legal challenges, but emphasizes the rule's importance in improving public health and addressing PFAS contamination.