As far back as forty years ago, there have been numerous incidents where tap water in America has become contaminated with everything from radioactive waste to raw sewage. In most cases, we chalk these things up to unfortunate incidents but what you may not know is that many water contamination issues are still going on today.
These water-related problems can cause several health issues, and you must know whether tap water is safe or not. Here’s a list of 5 examples of water contamination in the US and a guide on what to do to ensure that your water is clean.
1. The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Scandal
The Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal was a massive environmental disaster in North Carolina. It involved contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, with some contamination dating back to 1953.
The contamination was caused by industrial solvents, dry cleaning chemicals, and other hazardous materials disposed of in unlined landfills at Camp Lejeune. As a result, dangerous toxins were found in the drinking water supply for thousands of people and their families.
2. The Water Contamination Crisis in Flint, Michigan
The Water Contamination Crisis in Flint, Michigan, is one of the most well-known water contamination incidents in recent years.
The crisis began when officials decided to switch Flint’s water supply from the Detroit River to the Flint River. Unfortunately, the new water was not properly treated, causing lead from old pipes to leach into the drinking water.
Since 2014, Flint residents have been suffering from skin rashes and hair loss, with many reporting that their children are experiencing developmental problems.
The state government has since taken over control of the city’s water system but still faces a significant financial crisis due to increased costs associated with providing clean drinking water to its citizens.
3. The Dupont, West Virginia Water Problem
In 2014, the city of Dupont, West Virginia, was poisoned by a chemical spill from a nearby DuPont facility.
A chemical, MCHM (4-methylcyclohexane methanol), contaminated the city’s water supply. This contamination resulted in an emergency declaration, with residents being told not to drink or bathe in the water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that although there were no immediate health effects from exposure to low levels of MCHM (4-methylcyclohexane methanol), it could affect pregnant women and infants whose mothers had been exposed while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to Recognize if Your Tap Water is Safe
You can never be too careful when it comes to drinking water. For a very long time, the US government has tried to improve drinking water quality so your tap water may seem clean and pure. However, you should know a few things about your water before you drink it.
You can check to see if your tap water is safe by looking at the color and smell of the water, as well as checking for any unusual odors. Water is generally odorless and colorless.
If there is a smell or color change in your water, you should contact your local health department immediately to find out more information about what’s causing these changes in your tap water supply.
Also, the Environmental Protection Agency has a website that lets you enter your zip code and see if nearby facilities may emit contaminants into your water supply. You can also search your location with the EPA’s search tool to see if there have been any violations regarding drinking water quality.
Always Ensure Your Tap Water is Safe
If in doubt, it’s always a safe bet to ask your water provider whether or not your tap water is safe to drink. If you are disturbed about your tap water, the best thing you can do is take it to your local water department for a quicker and more reliable answer.
