5 U.S. States Where Drinking Water Quality is Falling Below Standards
We all rely on clean, safe drinking water for our health and well-being. Imagine turning on the tap and wondering if the water is safe for your family to drink. This is a reality for millions of Americans living in these states. Unfortunately, recent reports indicate that access to quality drinking water is a growing concern in many parts of the United States. Here’s a closer look at 14 U.S. States Where Drinking Water Quality is Falling Below Standards, according to a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report:
California
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The Golden State faces a multi-pronged water challenge. Aging infrastructure, drought conditions (leading to reliance on groundwater sources that are more prone to contaminants), and agricultural runoff all contribute to potential contaminants in drinking water. A 2020 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 31 million Californians live in areas with detectable levels of nitrates in their drinking water, which can be harmful to infants.
Texas
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The Lone Star State’s booming population is straining water supplies, leading to concerns about treatment capacity and potential contamination from industrial activity. A 2021 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) report identified 515 public water systems violating health standards for various contaminants.
Florida
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The Sunshine State grapples with water quality issues due to factors like agricultural activity, urban development, and saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. A 2022 study by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that 7.1 million Floridians live in areas where public water systems had detected unregulated contaminants known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
Arizona
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Arid conditions and a growing population put a strain on Arizona’s water resources. Trace amounts of arsenic, nitrates, and other contaminants have been detected in some areas. A 2021 Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) report found that 104 public water systems violated health standards for various contaminants.
Ohio
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While the Great Lakes provide a seemingly abundant water source, industrial legacy pollutants, and agricultural runoff pose challenges for some Ohio communities. A 2023 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) report found that 38 public water systems violated the Lead and Copper Rule.
Illinois
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Similar to Ohio, Illinois contends with industrial pollution and agricultural runoff impacting water quality in certain areas. Lead contamination in older infrastructure is also a concern. An Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) report in 2022 indicated 109 Lead and Copper Rule violations.
Louisiana
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Louisiana’s aging water treatment plants and decrepit pipelines contribute to potential contaminants like lead and disinfection byproducts in drinking water. A 2022 Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) report identified 143 public water systems with violations.
New Jersey
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The densely populated Garden State faces aging infrastructure, agricultural runoff, and stormwater pollution impacting drinking water quality. A 2023 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) report listed 325 public water systems with health standard violations.
Virginia (V.A.)
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While Virginia boasts abundant freshwater resources, agricultural runoff and industrial waste threaten water quality in some areas. Lead pipes in older homes further complicate the issue. A 2022 Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) report identified 214 public water systems with violations.
New York (N.Y.)
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The Empire State isn’t immune to water quality concerns. Certain areas grapple with agricultural runoff, fracking byproducts, and decaying infrastructure impacting drinking water. A 2023 New York State Department of Health (DOH) report listed 783 public water systems with violations.
North Carolina (N.C.)
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North Carolina’s industrial legacy, agricultural practices, and coal ash contamination threaten water quality in some parts of the state. A 2021 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) report found 612 public water systems with violations.
Georgia (G.A.)
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The Peach State faces challenges with agricultural runoff, chlorination byproducts, and aging infrastructure impacting drinking water quality in certain areas. A 2022 Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) report identified 347 public water systems with violations.
Pennsylvania (P.A.)
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Like other states with a heavy industrial past, Pennsylvania struggles with pollution from abandoned mines and industrial sites, impacting water quality in some areas. A 2023 Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) report listed 589 public water systems with violations.
Washington (W.A.)
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While Washington boasts a seemingly plentiful water supply, agricultural runoff and failing septic systems threaten water quality in some rural communities. A 2022 Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) report identified 217 public water systems with violations.