Water seems harmless. It's clear, tasteless and calorie-free. But viruses, bacteria and other contaminants in the water we drink and bathe in can make us sick, and even kill us. While people in the United States do not face the same water-related health risks as those in developing countries, experts say that doesn't mean you should take your water for granted. And as we take in the images of the tsunami and flooding around the world, you may be wondering how to protect your family's drinking water during a natural disaster.
"Don't assume that your water is perfect because there are many issues and problems with the US water supply," says Erik Olson, director of the drinking water project at the Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, DC.
Where Does Your Water Come From?
Your tap water has been many places before it fills your glass or runs over your hands. Tap water starts out in lakes, streams and reservoirs, or, in the case of well water, as the ground water that supplies the well. Public water suppliers treat surface water by adding chemicals to it to remove dirt and other contaminants, and then filter the water and add chlorine to eliminate viruses and bacteria. (Well water, which is often privately owned, may be treated differently, or not require treatment.) The water then runs though the pipes in your community and home and out your taps. Contamination can occur at each of the steps in the water-supply process.
"Our biggest concern is with microbial contamination that can have acute health effects," says Veronica Blette, special assistant to the director in the office of ground water and drinking water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in reference to viruses, bacteria, such as E-coli, and parasites such as Cryptosporidium.
What Lurks?
Besides viruses, bacteria and parasites, the water in your home or workplace may contain other types of contaminants associated health risks if they are above a certain level. Other major contaminants include manmade chemicals such as degreasers and pesticides; bi-products of the chemicals used to disinfect water at the treatment plant; and inorganic chemicals such as lead—pipes may also contain lead—arsenic, nitrate and chromium, which can occur naturally or be introduced into the water supply through activity such as mining.
While microbes and parasites can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, ongoing exposure to water with certain chemicals, such as arsenic and disinfection bi-products, are associated with cancer, infertility, liver and kidney problems. People with compromised immune systems, such those with HIV/AIDS, children, pregnant women and older people may be particularly vulnerable to contaminants in water.
Viruses and bacteria, as well as arsenic, are seen throughout the United States, but Blette says that where you live may play a role in what contaminants are an issue for your water supplier. Nitrates, for example, may be more common in rural areas because they are used in farming.
Health
Water Watch Dogs
The EPA has national standards for more than 80 contaminants that may pose a health risk. With the exception of Wyoming and Washington, DC, state governments are responsible for ensuring that the standards are met and the water quality is maintained.
"The EPA will take action if the state needs assistance or if the state isn't acting," Blette says. "The focus is on helping the water systems with compliance at first, then there are fines."
To find out what it is in your water, Blette and Olsen recommend checking out your local water supplier's water quality report, which these companies are required by law to issue annually. These reports are often called right-to-know reports, consumer confidence reports or water quality reports. In these reports, you can find out if your water meets EPA standards for common contaminants and about how well the supplier is complying with other water safety regulations.
If you are worried about your water, you can attend your water supplier's public meetings, lobby your legislators for change or contact the EPA.
Protect Your Water
Blette says that it is usually safe to assume that your water will not affect your health. According to the EPA, 90 percent of the US population received water from community water systems that met EPA water standards in 2003.
Yet many families, especially those with vulnerable people in the household, buy water filters because they want to extra protection from water contaminants right way. Olson says that the first step when buying a filter is to find out from your water quality report what kinds of contaminants you need to filter out, as different filters are designed for different contaminants. Secondly, make sure the filter has been internationally certified by a group such as the National Science Foundation. Finally, maintain the filter as frequently as the manufacturer recommends as contaminants can build up in the filter over time.
And don't just put the filter in the kitchen.
"Much of the exposure is not from drinking the water, but from inhaling water during showers," Olsen says. "The only way to protect yourself is to have a full-house filter or a filter on your showerhead."
According to the EPA's Blette, people need to be proactive about drinking water safety.
"Many people don't worry about their water until something happens," Blette says.
"Take an interest in finding out how you can help protect you water."
When Disaster Strikes
If a natural disaster, accident or terrorist act occurs, your water might be cut off or contaminated. Water suppliers are required to notify people about drinking water violations through TV, radio and newspapers, and provide information about how to make water safe. But if you don't have access to this information, and you have water, it can be difficult to know if your water has been contaminated.
"If your water smells bad or tastes bad or looks bad that's a problem, but more often than not there isn't an obvious sign," Olsen says.
In the event of a disaster that affects your water, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers the following advice about obtaining safe water:
FEMA Sterilizing Tips:
