The tap water many Americans might be drinking contains dangerous chemicals known as PFAS. Wells and municipal supplies are increasingly tainted with PFAS, according to recent EPA data, meaning millions of people could be exposed to these “forever chemicals” in their drinking water. Industrial polluters who have discharged these harmful substances into our water supply have at times, sought to evade EPA testing, endangering public health.
The first national drinking water standards for PFAS by the Biden- Harris Administration is a major step toward addressing this problem. This whole-government effort targets PFAS pollution to help ensure that all our communities can access clean drinking water. The EPA is also invoking the Toxic Substances Control Act to require testing and working to reduce those chemicals in surface water.
The threat of polluted drinking water is an issue facing communities across the nation, with estimates that nearly 30,000 industrial facilities could be potential PFAS polluters. By avoiding the types of testing that should be required, or by otherwise lobbying or leveraging their influence to affect regulatory decision-making, the companies are prioritizing profits over the health of the American people, leaving millions of people vulnerable every time they turn on the tap.
The Crisis of Contamination in Jackson’s Water Supply
Jackson, Mississippi, has faced a severe water crisis,s with residents exposed to contaminated water that contains various toxins and harmful chemicals. This crisis stems from decades of neglect, inadequate oversight, and systemic failures across multiple levels of government.
Historical Background and Industrial Impact on Water Quality
Jackson’s water problems have deep historical roots tied to poverty, neglect, and racism. The city’s aging infrastructure dates back decades, with pipes and systems that have deteriorated over time. Industrial facilities near water sources have contributed to the contamination problem.
The EPA’s inspector general found that regional offices failed to provide adequate oversight, allowing pollution to continue unchecked. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has repeatedly called for federal assistance to address the crumbling infrastructure.
Local residents have experienced frequent boil water notices, sometimes unaware they were consuming toxic water. The untreated river water supplying Jackson has been subject to contamination from bacteria and industrial pollutants for years.
Understanding the Health Risks Associated with Toxic Water
The contaminated water in Jackson poses serious health risks to residents. Lead, a primary contaminant found in the water, is a toxic metal that accumulates in the body over time and can cause developmental issues in children.
Regular exposure to contaminated water can lead to both immediate and long-term health problems. Symptoms may include:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Respiratory problems
- Developmental delays in children
- Increased risk of certain cancers
Environmental health experts warn that many of these effects may not be immediately obvious, making the crisis even more dangerous. Jackson residents, especially those with limited resources, have struggled to find safe alternatives.
Identifying the Pollutants: PFAS and Other Harmful Chemicals
The water in Jackson contains various harmful chemicals, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or human body. Specific PFAS compounds found include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, PFNA, and PFHxS.
Lead contamination remains a major concern, coming from old pipes and fixtures. Bacteria from inadequate treatment also pose risks to residents.
Removing these contaminants requires specialized treatment methods. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce PFAS levels, but creating a sustainable water system requires major infrastructure investment.
Radhika Fox, an EPA official, has acknowledged the need for stronger enforcement of pollution laws and better support for communities like Jackson facing environmental justice issues.
Regulatory Response and Action Steps
Government agencies have stepped up efforts to address toxic chemicals in drinking water. New regulations target PFAS pollution and hold industrial polluters accountable for contaminating water sources.
Federal and State Regulations: EPA Involvement
Regulatory action by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on toxic substances in tap water has been urgent and decisive. The EPA proposed the first-ever national drinking water standard for PFAS in March 2023, establishing maximum contaminant levels for unregulated contaminants.
The EPA is also invoking the Toxic Substances Control Act to issue test orders as an initial step to addressing PFAS pollution. Those federal guidelines provide a framework for states to follow when monitoring their water supplies. Some states have taken matters into their own hands and have established their own allowable limits for particular chemicals, moving faster than federal regulators.
This creates a patchwork of regulations that can be confusing for water utilities to navigate at times. The Clean Water Act has tools to help keep toxic chemicals out of drinking water sources. The EPA has told states to use permits to control water pollution as a way to limit PFAS and other industrial pollutants.
The Role of Michael S. Regan and the U.S. EPA
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan has made clean drinking water a priority during his tenure. Under his leadership, the agency has adopted a “whole-of-government approach” to tackle pollution issues affecting America’s water supply.
Regan, along with the Assistant Administrator for Water, pushed for stronger enforcement against companies that discharge harmful industrial chemicals into waterways. Their efforts aim to hold polluters accountable rather than place the burden on communities.
“Toxic PFAS pollution has been poisoning our water, our communities, and our health for too long,” noted one congressional representative supporting Regan’s initiatives. The EPA’s recent actions reflect a more aggressive stance on water protection than seen in previous administrations.
Advancements in Water Treatment and Prevention Strategies
Water treatment systems are becoming more sophisticated, removing contaminants that go undetected by traditional filtration. New technologies, including reverse osmosis and activated carbon treatments, have the potential for PFAS and chemical removal.
Michael Gray-Lewis, who holds an Engineering degree from Jackson State, has created a revolutionary filtration system that can effectively eliminate industrial chemicals at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. His work illustrates how communities can protect themselves through engineering solutions.
Currently, prevention methods revolve around eliminating the pollution at the source. EPA is partnering with industries to seek safer replacements to toxic chemicals used in manufacturing processes. Community monitoring programs add another layer of protection. Such initiatives train residents to gather water samples and report suspicious discharges, constituting an early warning system for potential contamination events.