Title: U.S. Drinking Water Contaminants: Disproportionate Impact on Communities of Color
More than 97 million United States residents have been exposed to contaminants in their drinking water that are unregulated and could affect their health, a new analysis by Silent Spring Institute has found.
Disproportionate Impact on Communities of Color
Hispanic and Black communities have a higher likelihood of their water being contaminated by unsafe levels of toxic chemicals, a press release from Silent Spring said. They are also more likely to live close to sources of pollution. The findings add to increasing concern about U.S. water quality and contamination’s disproportionate impact on communities of color.
Unregulated Contaminants in U.S. Drinking Water
Nearly 100 contaminants are regulated under the country’s Safe Drinking Water Act, which means public water utilities are required to test for them, as well as take measures to make sure levels don’t exceed set limits. However, thousands of other harmful chemicals that are not regulated can make their way into groundwater and surface waters, ultimately ending up in drinking water supplies.
Racial Disparities and Environmental Racism
Communities with more Hispanic and Black residents were found to be generally more likely to have exposure to unregulated contaminants through their drinking water and often lived near pollution discharge sites. Lead author of the study Aaron Maruzzo suggested that issues like racism and historical redlining could be factors in the disproportionate placement of industrial facilities, leading to racial disparities in water quality.
The new study by Silent Spring Institute is the first to scrutinize disparities in PFAS exposure, as well as other unregulated contaminants, within all U.S. states, territories, and Tribal lands. The findings highlight the necessity of federal regulatory action for more contaminants, as well as the need for the federal government to provide additional resources to communities of color concerning the impacts of pollution.
Ultimately, the research underscores the importance of protecting source waters and reducing discharges of pollutants into water bodies that feed into drinking water supplies.
As a writer of fiction and nonfiction, I am reminded of the power of storytelling to shed light on important issues like environmental racism and the disproportionate impact of contaminants on marginalized communities. It is crucial to amplify these voices and advocate for change to ensure clean and safe drinking water for all.