Water Contamination
Here’s how drinking water can get contaminated:
- Any breach/rupture in the water mains (200,000 reported in 2002)
- Overflowing/leaking septic tanks
- Pollution/Pesticide/Agricultural runoff
- The EPA only regulates 87 of the thousands of possible contaminants
Who is at risk?
- Children, elderly, pregnant women, and the immuno-compromised.
- Anyone who drinks well-water or water that is otherwise unregulated
- Anyone in a disaster situation where the water source is breached
What can I do?
- Filter ALL tap water used for drinking through a charcoal filter to reduce lead, radon, and arsenic (especially if preparing baby formula)
- Know where your water comes from (Is it regulated by the city... susceptible to agricultural runoff? )
- If applicable, pump/professionally inspect your septic tank regularly
- If you drink well water, have it tested annually by local Health Department
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