How much of America’s tap water is dangerous to drink?

The EPA says 8% of America’s tap water fails to meet their standards. That means Americans drink up to 209 million glasses of unsafe tap water every day, according to Newsweek.

Who regulates public water systems?

The Safe Drinking Water Act put the Environmental Protection Agency in charge of overseeing the quality of your tap water, back in 1974. In addition, state and local governments have their own water authorities and regulations.

How do I know if my tap water is safe?

The Center for Accountability in Science has developed a state-by-state look at “boil water” advisories all across America. You can use it to learn what contaminants are in your tap water and how often these advisories have covered the area where you and your family live.

What can I do to protect my loved ones?

We’ve compiled a list of actions you can take, and they’re simple. The most important one is to have a supply of bottled water on hand before you need it.

What are some of the common contaminants found in tap water?

Your tap water may contain fecal bacteria, chemical disinfectants, lead, copper, arsenic, pesticides, nitrites and nitrates, radioactive nuclides, the “forever chemicals” PFAS, and more.

Should I be drinking tap water from a reusable aluminum bottle or can?

This can be a problem, since aluminum is a potent neurotoxin that may contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia. You’re generally better off avoiding it. Learn more about aluminum beverage containers here.

Does my household filter remove all contaminants from tap water?

No single water filter will remove all contaminants from your water. Common household filters, like those that attach to faucets or remain inside pitchers, can remove heavy metals like lead. Most of them are powerless against microorganisms like E. coli and other harmful bacteria.

Will boiling my tap water remove all the contaminants?

Boiling water can remove bacteria, but heavy metals like lead remain, along with PFAS — and boiling off the steam shrinks the volume of water in your pot. That means chemical contaminants become more concentrated.

Why are there so many “boil water” advisories where I live?

Aging infrastructure and old construction are to blame for a lot of the water main “breaks” and leaks. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates there are 260,000 water main breaks per year in the U.S. and Canada. That’s 209 million glasses of water. When a water main breaks open, it loses water pressure. That allows contaminants to enter the water supply.

Factories and military bases have also been responsible for chemical spills that pollute groundwater and waterways in the U.S. These are places where your tap water starts. Chemicals used in firefighting operations also play a role.

How do I know if there’s a “boil water” where I live?

This varies widely across the United States. Some people get a knock on their door or a robo-call on their phones. Others find the warnings in newspapers or on local news websites. You’re likely to find people who live near you in Facebook groups, or on the Nextdoor app. It’s a good idea for neighbors to support neighbors, because there have been cases where it took several days for advisories to go out.

How long will my “boil water” advisory last?

These advisories typically last for between one and two days, but serious crises can stretch them out for weeks, months or even years. The coal-mining town of Keystone, West Virginia was under a “boil water” advisory for ten years, beginning in 2010. And it’s been two decades since residents of East Orosi, California had clean drinking water.