The NY Times piece today describing “illegal concentrations of chemicals like arsenic or radioactive substances like uranium, as well as dangerous bacteria” in over 20 percent of tap water in the U.S. has people wondering: is my tap water contaminated? Is my health in danger?
And could it have caused cancer/asthma/birth defects/obesity in my family or neighbors?
A quick way to find out: click on your state on the EPA map.
The Times reports “a system could deliver tap water that puts residents at a 1-in-600 risk of developing bladder cancer from arsenic, and still comply with the law.” Great!
One answer: Filter, filter, filter.
I use a Brita Filter Pitcher because it needs new Brita cartridges only every 2 months; my Mom, always ahead of the curve, uses a Pur Pitcher and Pur Replacement cartridges. every 40 gallons.
Missing: the source of contamination. The fix is personal, not just public. That’s true for most personal health.
Take your leftover household chemicals, paints and electronics to a hazardous waste disposal site. Pharmaceuticals too: trace concentrations of antibiotics, seizure meds, mood stabilizers and sex hormones have been found in 24 major drinking water systems. Learn about drug take-back.
What do you do with Rx drugs? And to keep Your water safe and clean?