Water Quality
Safer water for healthier communities.
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Clean, safe water is essential for human health. Every day, people rely on water for drinking, cooking, bathing, recreation, agriculture, and industry. When water becomes contaminated, it can affect individuals, families, and entire communities.
Water quality can be influenced by naturally occurring substances, industrial activities, agricultural practices, aging infrastructure, emerging contaminants, and environmental conditions. Some contaminants may affect health immediately, while others may contribute to long-term health concerns after years of exposure.
For more than two decades, we have examined environmental factors that influence water quality and public health. Through research, education, and policy engagement, we work to increase awareness of water-related health risks and identify practical opportunities to protect drinking water, reduce harmful exposures, and safeguard communities.
Why It Matters
Access to clean water is one of the most important public health achievements in history. Yet water contamination remains a significant challenge in many communities.
People may be exposed to contaminants through public drinking water systems, private wells, recreational waters, and groundwater resources. Exposure may occur through drinking, cooking, bathing, and other everyday activities.
Children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems may be particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants.
Protecting water quality requires ongoing monitoring, scientific research, infrastructure investment, public education, and sound environmental policies.
What You Should Know
PFAS and Drinking Water
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been detected in drinking water supplies throughout the United States. PFAS stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Because they break down very slowly, they may persist in water sources for many years.
The two most studied PFAS chemicals are:
- PFOA = Perfluorooctanoic Acid
- PFOS = Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
These compounds were widely used for decades and are now being phased out in many applications, although they remain widespread in the environment.
Common Uses of PFAS
PFAS have been used in products such as:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water-resistant clothing
- Stain-resistant carpets and furniture
- Food packaging
- Firefighting foams
- Some cosmetics and personal care products
- Industrial manufacturing processes
Research continues to examine how PFAS exposure may affect human health, including developmental, reproductive, immune system, and other health outcomes.
There is no universal scientific consensus on what constitutes a completely "safe" level of PFAS exposure. Current EPA drinking water standards regulate several PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. However, scientific understanding of PFAS continues to evolve, and many researchers believe that minimizing exposure whenever possible is the most prudent public health approach. Learn more at these websites: EPA, NIEHS
Drinking Water Contaminants
Water may contain contaminants such as lead, arsenic, nitrates, bacteria, and other substances that can affect health. Regular testing and monitoring help identify potential risks and protect public health. Learn more at these websites: CDC, EPA
Private Wells Require Testing
Millions of Americans rely on private wells for drinking water. Unlike public water systems, private wells are generally not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Routine testing can help identify contaminants that may not be visible nor can you smell or taste them. Learn more at these websites: CDC, EPA
Water Quality Can Change Over Time
Environmental conditions, weather events, land use practices, aging infrastructure, and emerging contaminants can all affect water quality. Learn more at this website: USGS
Prevention Matters
Protecting water quality often costs less than cleaning up contamination after it occurs. Learn more at this website: EPA
Our Work
EHHI has examined the relationship between water quality and human health through research, education, and policy engagement.
Areas of work have included:
- PFAS and emerging contaminants
- Drinking water protection
- Groundwater contamination
- Private wells
- Fracking and water resources
- Water quality monitoring
- Public health impacts of contaminated water
Through reports, educational materials, policy recommendations, and public outreach, EHHI has worked to increase awareness of water-related environmental health risks.
Featured Resources
Please download and read these important publications.
Our Recommendations
Protecting water quality requires action by individuals, communities, businesses, and policymakers.
National Government
- Continue implementing and periodically updating national drinking water standards based on the best available science.
- Accelerate replacement of lead service lines and aging drinking water infrastructure.
- Expand nationwide monitoring for PFAS, lead, arsenic, nitrates, and other emerging contaminants.
- Increase investment in research on drinking water contaminants, treatment technologies, and public health impacts.
State & Provincial Government
- Expand PFAS testing and remediation programs for public water systems.
- Support affordable testing programs for private well owners.
- Protect groundwater recharge areas and drinking water sources through land use planning.
- Modernize state drinking water infrastructure and improve public reporting of water quality results.
Local Government
- Protect local watersheds through conservation and pollution prevention efforts.
- Support community water quality monitoring and transparent public reporting.
- Establish household hazardous waste collection programs to prevent contaminants from entering waterways.
- Promote community education about drinking water quality, private wells, and source water protection.
Individuals
To help protect water quality, you can:
- Test your private well every 1–3 years, or more frequently if recommended by your state health department.
- Read your community's annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand the quality of your public drinking water.
- If appropriate, install a certified water filter designed to remove contaminants of concern, such as PFAS or lead.
- Never pour paints, solvents, pesticides, medications, or household chemicals down sinks or storm drains.
- Limit unnecessary fertilizer and pesticide use around your home to reduce runoff into local waterways.
- Properly maintain septic systems to help protect groundwater.
- Stay informed about PFAS and other emerging drinking water contaminants through trusted public health sources.
- Download our Fast Look Checklists for improving water quality.
Current Developments
Explore these authoritative websites for the latest developments in emerging research, policy developments, and environmental health issues related to our water supplies.
- Microplastics in Drinking Water Treatment Systems: Federal and state drinking water standards continue evolving. Visit Nature.
- Lead Service Line Replacement: Communities continue replacing aging lead service lines. Visit ScienceDirect.
- Emerging Contaminants: Researchers continue studying pharmaceuticals and microplastics in drinking water. Visit Nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PFAS contamination?
PFAS contamination occurs when PFAS chemicals enter water supplies through industrial activities, firefighting foams, manufacturing processes, landfills, and other sources. Visit EPA and ATSDR to learn more.
Should I test my private well?
Yes. Regular testing can help identify contaminants that may affect the safety of drinking water. Visit CDC and EPA to learn more.
What contaminants are commonly found in drinking water?
Common contaminants may include lead, arsenic, nitrates, bacteria, PFAS, and other naturally occurring or human-made substances. Visit EPA and CDC to learn more.
How can communities protect local water quality?
Communities can protect water resources through watershed protection, infrastructure investments, pollution prevention, monitoring programs, and public education. Visit EPA and NEEFUSA to learn more.
How can I find out what's in my drinking water?
If you receive water from a public water system, your utility is required to provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report describing detected contaminants and compliance with federal drinking water standards. Private well owners should have their water tested regularly.
Download our Fast Look Checklist for improving your water quality.