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Drinking Water

All articles tagged with #drinking water

NC Secures $590M Deal to Clean Cape Fear Drinking Water After Chemours Pollution
environment29 days ago

NC Secures $590M Deal to Clean Cape Fear Drinking Water After Chemours Pollution

North Carolina’s attorney general announced a historic settlement with Chemours totaling about $590 million to address PFAS contamination along the Cape Fear River, with roughly $380 million going to local governments, $75 million to the state PFAS cleanup fund, and a $135 million reserve to cover potential Dupont liability if Chemours goes bankrupt; the deal aims to secure clean drinking water for about 500,000 downstream residents and hold the company accountable for past pollution.

via wect.com|
#cape-fear-river#chemours#drinking-water
Fifth Circuit rules no constitutional right to clean water in Jackson case
law1 month ago

Fifth Circuit rules no constitutional right to clean water in Jackson case

A U.S. appellate court in the Fifth Circuit upheld the dismissal of a 2022 Jackson residents’ suit alleging tainted drinking water violated constitutional rights, ruling that the Constitution does not guarantee a right to be free from contaminated water or to receive information from public officials. The court urged plaintiffs to pursue tort claims or elect representatives to address the water system, while acknowledging ongoing state and federal efforts to improve Jackson’s water quality. The decision also notes related civil-rights complaints, including allegations that federal drinking-water funds were diverted to white communities.

via The Guardian|
#clean-water#constitutional-rights#drinking-water
Activists push to include microplastics in drinking-water testing
environment2 months ago

Activists push to include microplastics in drinking-water testing

The EPA's proposed drinking-water monitoring would require testing for up to 30 contaminants, but microplastics are not included, prompting a letter from 250 health professionals urging their addition; California has already moved ahead with microplastic screenings, though validated testing methods are not yet available, and the UCMR 6 timeline aims for finalization by year-end with implementation in 2028, while the public can submit comments by August 31.

via LAist|
#drinking-water#environment#epa
Nanoplastics flood U.S. drinking water at levels far higher than previously thought
environment6 months ago

Nanoplastics flood U.S. drinking water at levels far higher than previously thought

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.

via Mongabay|
#bottled-water#drinking-water#environment
Newer Groundwater May Elevate Parkinson’s Risk, Large US Study Suggests
health7 months ago

Newer Groundwater May Elevate Parkinson’s Risk, Large US Study Suggests

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.

via Neuroscience News|
#aquifers#drinking-water#environmental-health
Private wells across the U.S. tainted by PFAS “forever chemicals” go undetected
climate8 months ago

Private wells across the U.S. tainted by PFAS “forever chemicals” go undetected

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.

via AP News|
#climate#drinking-water#forever-chemicals
Fluoride-Free Water Debate Gains Momentum Across US
health1 year ago

Fluoride-Free Water Debate Gains Momentum Across US

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.

via The Washington Post|
#drinking-water#fluoride#health
Scientists Uncover Potentially Toxic Chemical in U.S. Tap Water
environment1 year ago

Scientists Uncover Potentially Toxic Chemical in U.S. Tap Water

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.

via NBC News|
#chemical-byproducts#chloronitramide-anion#drinking-water
"Challenges and Strategies for Controlling Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water"
environment2 years ago

"Challenges and Strategies for Controlling Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water"

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.

via AL.com|
#alabama#contamination#drinking-water
"Addressing PFAS Contamination: New Federal Limits and Expert Strategies"
environment2 years ago

"Addressing PFAS Contamination: New Federal Limits and Expert Strategies"

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.

via The Texas Tribune|
#drinking-water#environment#epa
"PFAS Contamination: Assessing the Impact on US Water Systems"
health-and-environment2 years ago

"PFAS Contamination: Assessing the Impact on US Water Systems"

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.

via The News Journal|
#delaware#drinking-water#epa
"Rising Concerns: 'Forever Chemicals' Contamination Spreads Across US Water Systems"
environment2 years ago

"Rising Concerns: 'Forever Chemicals' Contamination Spreads Across US Water 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.

via USA TODAY|
#contamination#drinking-water#environment
Bogota, Colombia Implements Water Rationing Amid Critical Reservoir Levels
environment2 years ago

Bogota, Colombia Implements Water Rationing Amid Critical Reservoir Levels

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.

via CBS News|
#bogota#colombia#drinking-water