by Being an American gives you the privilege of several good things, and safe and clean drinking water is one of them. You can imagine the gravity of the situation as the UN statistics state that one in nine people globally uses water from unsafe sources.
Living in a developed country, you can hardly imagine facing water quality challenges, even in the 21st century. But the truth is that it continues to be among the burning global issues. You cannot take safe water supplies for granted because several contamination disasters have emerged in the country over the years.
From Camp Lejeune to Flint, many horror stories remind Americans that they are far from safe when it comes to water quality. Besides these disastrous events, common contaminants such as bacteria, fluorides, nitrates, and pharmaceuticals are reasons to worry.
While laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act are in place to protect the public, they hardly guarantee safety for homeowners. Awareness is the first step for protecting your loved ones from toxic hazards. You may end up with prolonged exposure only because you were too complacent or failed to act fast.
Let’s explain why you should pay attention to water safety.
Most Hazards Never Show Up
Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a legal limit on more than 90 water contaminants? The number is scary enough, but the worst part is that many of these hazards never show up. You may not see, smell, or taste toxins in your domestic supplies- imagine how they can harm your loved ones!
The Camp Lejeune water contamination disaster is an instance where countless residents bore the brunt of exposure without a hint. Many victims developed symptoms of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination decades after the event. Hazardous chemicals like benzene, chloroform, and vinyl chloride led to chronic conditions such as cancer, birth defects, and infertility issues in these victims.
TorHoerman Law’s website has a comprehensive list of potential health conditions and their symptoms victims may encounter. People experiencing these symptoms and conditions can consult with lawyers to assess their eligibility for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. The eligibility criteria for these lawsuits are complex, but getting legal advice is a good way to stay ahead of them before filing a claim.
The Possibility of Multiple Hazards
Besides lurking hazards in your domestic supplies, the sheer number of toxins and chemicals is a reason to worry. You may hardly know what you are dealing with and how to address the risks effectively. Each contaminant is different, which means it requires a different approach. It can get overwhelming for someone who doesn’t know a thing about harmful toxins.
Here are a few things you must know about:
Microbes
Microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can contaminate domestic water supplies due to sewage leaks and agricultural run-offs. Many microbes are pathogens and can cause severe health issues such as gastrointestinal infections, nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. The most common and harmful ones include:
- E Coli
- Giardia
- Cryptosporidium
- Salmonella
- Legionella
Harmful Chemicals
Besides microbes, harmful chemicals can also cause water contamination. The truth is that chemicals are more hazardous than pathogens because they can lead to severe health issues such as cancer, allergies, birth defects, infertility, hormone disruptions, and heart diseases. These metals and chemicals enter domestic supplies from industrial run-off, broken pipes, and sub-surface pesticides. Here is a list of potential culprits:
- Lead
- Nitrates
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Chlorine
- Radon
- Radium
- Benzene
- Trichloroethylene
- Chromium
- Copper
- Mercury
Complacency Can Be Dangerous
You may want to take water safety for granted just because you live in a country with high safety and sanitation standards. But complacency can be dangerous, which is another reason to emphasize clean domestic supplies. Contamination is a genuine risk, and it may happen anytime and anywhere. Even worse, it can lead to severe health hazards.
Fortunately, regular water testing can help you identify potential hazards sooner than later and act quickly. You can deal with common threats like microbes and parasites with purification measures like boiling and filtration. But the presence of chemicals and toxins is a serious concern, which requires reporting to the authorities.
A Word of Caution!
Water quality is the last thing homeowners should skimp on because contaminants can make you sick beyond stomach infections. The sooner you detect and address them, the better the chances of protecting your loved ones. Being vigilant is key because most contaminants lurk in domestic supplies without the slightest warning. Regular checks and awareness can be real saviors in this context.
