Over 97 Million Americans Face Exposure to Unregulated Contaminants in Drinking Water

Recent findings from a comprehensive analysis by scientists at Silent Spring Institute reveal a striking and alarming reality: nearly one-third of the U.S. population is potentially exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Such exposures raise serious health concerns, notably among Hispanic and Black communities who are disproportionately affected by these dangerous pollutants. This study illustrates a substantial public health crisis, one that demands immediate attention and action from both policymakers and the broader society.

The new revelations are part of a study published in the esteemed journal Environmental Health Perspectives, which highlights urgent issues surrounding water quality across the nation. The researchers focused on evaluating the extent of contaminants—many of which are toxic and widely recognized as harmful—found in drinking water supplies. Alarmingly, the presence of unregulated contaminants was most pronounced in communities of color, where residents often live in proximity to various pollution sources, exacerbating their risk of adverse health outcomes associated with contaminated water.

At present, close to 100 contaminants are regulated under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act. These regulations are intended to ensure that public water utilities are obligated to test for these substances and mitigate any potential health hazards by employing advanced treatment systems. Despite these regulations, countless chemicals present serious health risks, and many remain unregulated, passing into groundwater and surface water systems, subsequently contaminating drinking supplies.

Among the unregulated contaminants identified in the Silent Spring analysis were notable chemicals such as 1,4-dioxane, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chlorodifluoromethane, and 1,1-dichloroethane. Each of these substances harbors significant health risks, with 1,4-dioxane being classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have also emerged as notorious public health threats due to their widespread use in consumer products and their association with various health issues, including cancer, hormonal disruption, and elevated cholesterol levels.

The research encompassed data gathered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2013 to 2015. Stunningly, the analysis examined over 4,800 public water systems and determined that approximately 27% of those systems serving around 97 million residents exhibited detectable levels of at least one harmful chemical. This presents a disquieting picture of water safety across the nation, prompting numerous public health experts to call for sweeping reforms and more stringent regulatory actions.

Perhaps even more troubling is the consistent pattern of exposure experienced by communities with higher proportions of Hispanic and Black residents. Lead researcher Aaron Maruzzo noted that these disparities persisted regardless of income levels or other socioeconomic indicators, suggesting systemic issues such as racial inequities and historical injustices—including redlining—that have placed industrial facilities in or near marginalized communities. This resonates deeply as communities of color continue to bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to environmental health risks.

In previous studies, Silent Spring has demonstrated that Hispanic populations, in particular, face higher levels of nitrate exposure in their drinking water. While there are federal limits on nitrate, new studies suggest that exposure at levels below the current legal threshold can still elevate cancer risks, particularly colorectal and bladder cancers. These findings point to a concerning broader narrative regarding the safety of drinking water in America and the need for regulators to reconsider existing policies and limits.

Further affirming the need for urgent action, a 2023 investigation found that community water systems serving predominantly Hispanic and Black populations had elevated PFAS levels in their drinking water. This latest analysis extends the focus not just to state-level disparities but also includes tribal lands and U.S. territories, underscoring the vast scale of this crisis nationwide.

Moreover, recent evidence reveals that PFAS prevalence in drinking water corresponds with a higher risk of contaminant exposure than previously understood. The implications are vast and troubling, suggesting a much larger impacted population than previously anticipated. As the EPA released drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals in April 2024, there is an increasing need for federal action to expand regulatory oversight and provide resources to better address these severe environmental health challenges.

To safeguard public health, experts stress the necessity for enhanced protection of source waters and reduction of pollutant discharges across water systems. This includes integrating comprehensive health assessments and equitable regulatory frameworks that prioritize vulnerable populations. Ultimately, there lies a critical need not only for governmental action to protect communities but also for increased public awareness and education regarding the dangers associated with water contaminants that may lurk in their taps.

The solution to this public health crisis requires collaboration among various stakeholders—government entities, environmental organizations, and community groups—to dismantle systemic barriers and build healthier, safer environments for all. By fostering transparency and accountability in water quality management, the public can become better informed emissaries for change, advocating for justice in environmental health and ensuring that access to safe drinking water becomes a universal right, not a privilege determined by race or socioeconomic status.

As the Silent Spring Institute’s findings resound throughout academic circles and social discourse, it becomes increasingly imperative that public health policies reflect an urgent commitment to addressing these disparities. Protecting the health of vulnerable populations is not merely an ethical obligation—it is foundational to the advancement of a just society where every individual has equitable access to the resources necessary for a healthy life.

Engaging in dialogue, demanding regulatory changes, and mobilizing communities around environmental issues will fortify efforts to combat contamination of drinking water and promote overall public health. The revelations borne from this latest research serve as a critical call to action as we navigate the intricate intersections of health, race, and environmental justice in our nation.

The study not only sheds light on an existing public health battle but also highlights the importance of continued scientific inquiry into the unseen dangers of our environment. Mobilizing resources, implementing proactive measures, and instigating critical conversations are vital for ensuring that our shared water resources remain safe and uncontaminated for generations to come.

The implications of these findings could resonate across the country, catalyzing change and promoting a more health-conscious culture that prioritizes the protection of marginalized communities and their environment. By tackling the issues head-on, we can work collectively towards a future where clean, safe drinking water is a guaranteed right for all Americans.

Subject of Research: Disparities in exposures to unregulated industrial drinking water contaminants
Article Title: Socioeconomic disparities in exposures to PFAS and other unregulated industrial drinking water contaminants in U.S. public water systems
News Publication Date: 15-Jan-2025
Web References: Silent Spring Institute
References: Maruzzo A.J., A.B. Hernandez, C.H. Swartz, J.M. Liddie, L.A. Schaider. 2025. Socioeconomic disparities in exposures to PFAS and other unregulated industrial drinking water contaminants in U.S. public water systems. Environmental Health Perspectives. DOI: 10.1289/EHP14721
Image Credits: Not provided

Keywords: Environmental health, Water quality, PFAS, Water pollution, Public health, Cancer, Pollutants.