On this edition of Your Call’s One Planet Series, we're discussing the quality of drinking water in the United States. According to the Environmental Working Group's Tap Water Database, since 2019, more than 320 toxic substances have been detected in US drinking water systems.
Millions of Americans unwittingly drink toxic substances, such as arsenic, lead, and chemicals known as PFAS. We'll discuss the findings, the health effects of drinking these chemicals, and learn more about how the infrastructure bill will address this.
Guests:
Dr. Tasha Stoiber, scientist with the Environmental Working Group
Maura Allaire, assistant professor of water economics and policy at the University of California, Irvine
Louie Pitt, Jr, council person for the Pacific NorthWest Electric Power and Conservation Council and former director of governmental affairs for The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon
Web Resources:
EWG's Tap Water Database 2021 Update
EWG: Common drinking water contaminant linked to spike in Parkinson’s disease
The Deschutes River Conservancy: Water Problems At Warm Springs Unacceptable, Says Widen
Grist: California’s water systems are in deep trouble
CNN: Study estimates 15,000 cancer cases could stem from chemicals in California tap water
NPR: Tribes hope infrastructure law means they'll finally get clean drinking water
