These days, we are all pretty familiar with the topic of drinking water contamination. We know that there are potential contaminants that could be dangerous for our health. We know we deserve better. Finally, the EPA agrees. In addition to what they already do, the EPA has declared a plan to regulate a set of harmful chemicals found in the drinking water of millions of Americans. There are still many contaminants that go unregulated, but could be causing us all harm when consumed in large quantities – and who knows if we are?!

What water contaminant regulation is the EPA planning?

According to an article in U.S. News & World Report, the EPA announced that they would “address contamination from widely used chemicals found in everything from food packaging to nonstick cookware, paint, carpeting, dental floss and firefighting foam, which have been linked to a range of potential health impacts including liver damage, developmental delays and cancer.” Whoa… these chemicals could be in all of that stuff? Yes.

What does this have to do with our drinking water?

Well, the contamination of the chemicals found in the things mentioned above means that these chemicals can end up in our water. The agency has the goal of limiting “two types of common per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS: a pair of chemicals known as PFOA and PFOS.” Although they are no longer being produced, they’re STILL found in some drinking water supplies! Wherever these chemicals were produced or utilized, it could be in the water.

What will be done?

According to the EPA, they plan to “expand monitoring efforts and issue groundwater cleanup recommendations for sites contaminated by PFOA and PFOs.” This is the main priority of the plan.

What can be done to protect drinking water now?

Are you concerned? It’s normal to worry about what’s in your tap water. If you don’t currently have a drinking water system installed, adding one to your home could be a good move. Until these efforts are actually put in place and ALL harmful contaminants are regulated, treated, or removed, you can make your own drinking water safer for you and your loved ones.

Drinking water contaminants are dangerous to human health. Although many of our communities treat our water, there is still the potential for contamination via other means after the water has been processed by these facilities. Furthermore, if you have a private well, you’re on your own for testing and treating your water. Check out some of our water filters and take part in the national efforts for making our drinking water safer, purer and better for everyone!

Action from above is good… but action from the people affected is great.