We sampled tap water across the US – and found arsenic, lead and toxic chemicals

Consumer Reports and the Guardian conducted a 9 month study testing water in the United States. The study found that high levels of arsenic, lead, and forever chemicals are present in the drinking water due to contamination, aging infrastructure, and inadequate treatment at water plants. 118 of the 120 samples which were taken as a part of this study revealed lead, 35% of the samples contained dangerous chemicals called PFA’s, and 8% of the samples had arsenic in the drinking water. The study also found that lower income neighborhoods tend to have more violations than wealthier neighborhoods. In response to these findings, a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency made a statement that 93% of the community receives water that meets all health based standards. The EPA has not set a legal limit on PFA contamination yet, but has established voluntary limits. Scientists from Consumer Reports recommend a limit on PFA’s of 5 parts per trillion, when the voluntary limit set by the EPA is for 70 parts per trillion. Although people who are concerned about these contaminants in their drinking water do have options for reducing their exposure, some action is being taken by the government to help improve the quality of public water.