The Facts About U.S. Tap Water: States With Best & Worst Quality

Turning on your faucet for a glass of water, only to be greeted by a cocktail of arsenic, lead, and Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a reality for many Americans.

While we often take clean water for granted, the truth is that the safety of our tap water is a complex and pressing issue.

With American adults consuming an average of 44oz of water daily, understanding the threats lurking in our water and the measures being taken to combat them is crucial.

But just how safe is the water flowing from our taps?

The Invisible Threats In Our Water

The most concerning contaminants in U.S. water supplies are arsenic, lead, and PFAS. Each originates from different sources and poses unique health risks.

Arsenic, often found in areas with shale and oil, can cause severe neurological problems. Lead, primarily from aging infrastructure, is linked to developmental delays and kidney issues. PFAS, dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence, are carcinogenic and can weaken the immune system.

A staggering statistic reveals that a water main breaks every two minutes in the U.S., highlighting the outdated state of our water systems.

With over 50,000 fragmented water systems, many serving small populations, the challenge of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure is immense.

An investment of at least $1 trillion over the next 25 years is necessary, but current funding falls drastically short.

The Cost of Cleanliness

Treating water for PFAS alone could cost about $47 billion, with ongoing expenses of around $700 million annually. While over 90% of Americans receive water compliant with health standards, the legal limits on contaminants often lag behind scientific understanding of their health impacts.

This gap raises concerns about the true safety of our tap water.

In response to these concerns, the home water filtration market is booming and is expected to grow by 10.5% from 2022 to 2030. Consumers are increasingly turning to filtration systems, not just for improved taste but for peace of mind. However, this solution is not accessible to all, particularly those in financially struggling communities.

The Regional Variability of Water Safety

The quality of tap water in the U.S. varies widely by region. While some states boast high-quality water, others struggle with significant contamination issues. This inconsistency makes it challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all solution to water safety.

US News and World Report identifies Hawaii, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Massachusetts as having some of the best drinking water quality in the country.

These states have likely invested in robust water treatment infrastructure and have natural sources of water that are less prone to contamination.

On the other hand, J.D. Power rates the best U.S. states for tap water slightly differently, listing Kentucky, Washington, New York, Oregon, and Kansas at the top. This variation in rankings underscores the complexity of assessing water quality, which can depend on various factors, from geological conditions to industrial activity and agricultural runoff.

Conversely, there are states where the water quality is a significant concern. Alabama, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas, and Pennsylvania have some of the worst tap water.

The reasons for poor water quality in these areas can be multifaceted, often involving a combination of aging infrastructure, industrial pollution, and natural contaminants like arsenic or lead leaching into the water supply.

Future Steps & Solutions

The EPA plans to finalize a rule by early 2024 to require facilities to report PFAS concentrations. This step, along with increased consumer awareness and access to water quality reports, can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their water consumption.

Addressing the root causes of contamination, such as aging pipes and industrial pollutants, is essential. Innovations in water treatment, including advanced filtration methods like granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis, offer hope. However, these solutions require significant investment and political will.

A Call to Action

The safety of our tap water is a multifaceted issue, intertwining public health, infrastructure, and environmental policy.

While treated water in the U.S. is generally safe, the presence of harmful contaminants and the variability in water quality across regions cannot be ignored.

As we navigate this complex landscape, both policymakers and consumers must stay informed and proactive. Understanding the challenges and advocating for necessary investments and regulations is critical to ensuring that the water flowing from our taps is legally safe and healthy for all.