In a report published by Science News on November 16, 1974, it was revealed that clean drinking water in certain areas may contain carcinogenic compounds. The compounds detected in the water were found to contain chlorine, leading some scientists to speculate that the chlorine added for purification purposes could be reacting with organic substances left in the water after filtration, forming potentially harmful substances.
Following these findings, the Safe Drinking Water Act was swiftly passed, granting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to establish minimum standards for contaminant levels. While chlorine continues to be used to eliminate waterborne pathogens, the EPA now regulates the levels of its by-products, such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, due to their association with an increased risk of cancer from long-term exposure.
In more recent times, the EPA has shifted its focus to addressing other harmful substances in drinking water, such as lead and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” Both lead and PFAS have been linked to various health issues, prompting the EPA to set new standards for PFAS levels and mandate the replacement of most lead pipe service lines within a decade.
Karen Kwon, the research and special projects editor at Science News, highlighted the importance of these regulatory measures in safeguarding public health. With a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University and a master’s degree in journalism from New York University’s Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program, Kwon brings a unique perspective to the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our drinking water.
As we navigate the challenges of environmental sustainability, it is crucial to support climate journalism to enhance environmental literacy and informed decision-making. By subscribing to Science News and contributing to the expansion of science literacy, we can collectively work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
