Reducing multiple tap water contaminants could prevent over 50,000 cancer cases

Water is essential for life, but what happens when our tap water is contaminated with harmful chemicals? A new study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) reveals that treating multiple contaminants in drinking water simultaneously could prevent over 50,000 lifetime cancer cases in the United States.

The conventional approach of regulating one tap water contaminant at a time may not be the most effective method, according to the findings of the study published in the journal Environmental Research. Researchers at EWG analyzed data from thousands of community water systems and found that cancer-causing chemicals like arsenic and chromium-6 often coexist in water sources and can be treated using the same technologies.

By reducing arsenic levels in water systems with chromium-6 contamination, the study suggests that the number of cancer cases could be significantly reduced compared to treating chromium-6 levels alone. This multi-contaminant approach to water treatment offers greater health benefits and could prevent tens of thousands of cancer cases.

Chromium-6, famously known from the film “Erin Brockovich,” is linked to serious health risks including stomach cancer, liver damage, and reproductive harm. Arsenic, on the other hand, is found in drinking water across the US and is associated with bladder, lung, and skin cancers. Both chemicals pose significant health risks, and addressing them together is the most scientifically sound and efficient approach to water treatment.

Nitrate, another common drinking water contaminant found downstream from agricultural areas, is also a major concern. Exposure to nitrate in drinking water is linked to colorectal and ovarian cancer, preterm birth, low birth weight, and neural tube defects. The current federal limit for nitrate in water has not been updated in over three decades, despite new research showing health risks at levels below the legal limit.

To address these water quality challenges, EWG advocates for smarter water rules that consider the benefits of treating multiple contaminants simultaneously. Small and rural water systems, which often face higher costs for implementing new treatment technologies, require additional support to safeguard public health. Investing in new treatment technologies like ion exchange and reverse osmosis can help remove contaminants like nitrate, chromium-6, and arsenic from drinking water.

Consumers concerned about their tap water quality can install water filters like reverse osmosis or ion exchange systems to reduce their exposure to contaminants. Regularly changing water filters is essential to ensure their effectiveness. Additionally, EWG’s water filter guide provides information on available options for improving water quality at home.

In conclusion, addressing multiple contaminants in drinking water is crucial for protecting public health and advancing equity. By implementing innovative treatment technologies and updating regulations to reflect the reality of water contamination, we can ensure clean and safe drinking water for all communities. Awareness, action, and investment are key to safeguarding our health and well-being when we turn on the tap.