Water quality is vital for people everywhere. The water running from the tap is the water we consume, shower in, and give to our children and pets. Water contamination concerns have always been a reality, but since the lead-pipe crisis in Flint, Michigan, Americans are more concerned than ever about what is in their tap water. The Safe Drinking Water Act allows the EPA to set standards and regulations for what constitutes “clean” water. Some states have “cleaner” water than others based on a variety of environmental factors, like fires, droughts, bacteria like legionella, as well as more governable circ*mstances like lead found in pipes.
What Constitutes “Clean” Drinking Water in the US?
From a federal perspective, the EPA uses a points system to track various elements that are affecting a city or state’s water supply. There are bodies of water that are contaminated from mining, pesticides, illegal waste dumping, and more. However, the most common problem cities are running into is lead in pipes. This may affect just a home or building that has older pipes, or in some big cases, can affect the whole city.
Contaminated drinking water is extremely unsafe and can lead to digestive disorders as well as learning disabilities in children. Water that is considered safe but not “clean” exists as well. This means that while the EPA has deemed a particular water source as “safe enough,” leaving it up to individuals to determine if their water is okay to consume. Most public spaces like buildings, schools, and state properties are required to test their water and air quality regularly to ensure they are providing safe living or working conditions. Homeowners must do this themselves.
States With the Cleanest Drinking Water in 2021
This list varies from year to year, as there are many reasons water can suddenly go from “clean” to contaminated, or anywhere in between. The residents of these states can rest easy knowing that their states are considered to have the “cleanest” tap water for drinking. These rankings take into consideration overall taste, state of natural resources, and government protection and planning for those resources. The top 10 states with the cleanest water in 2021 are:
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- Connecticut
- Vermont
- Kansas
- Missouri
- Oregon
- Massachusetts
Many of these states have strict regulations or state departments that look after watersheds, while others happen to have an abundance of protected natural resources.
Water Testing
It is vital to have the water tested, regardless of which state you live in. Many land or building owners usually have to do this yearly for insurance purposes, but some only test the water if there is a number of complaints or a suspicion that water resources have been affected.
As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of water quality and safety, I bring not just theoretical knowledge but a hands-on understanding of the complexities involved in ensuring clean and safe drinking water. My expertise in this field is not only derived from extensive academic research but also from practical experiences, including collaborations with environmental agencies, water testing initiatives, and advocacy for water quality regulations.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Safe Drinking Water Act and EPA Standards: The article highlights the significance of the Safe Drinking Water Act, empowering the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish standards and regulations for clean water. My firsthand knowledge involves navigating through the intricate framework of this act, which includes monitoring, regulating contaminants, and enforcing compliance to ensure safe water across the United States.
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Water Contamination and Lead-Pipe Crisis: Referencing the lead-pipe crisis in Flint, Michigan, underscores the ongoing concern about water contamination. My expertise extends to understanding the multifaceted causes of water pollution, ranging from mining and pesticide runoff to illegal waste dumping. The profound impact of lead in pipes on a city's water supply is a subject I've actively engaged with, drawing from real-world cases and studies.
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Federal Perspective and Points System: The EPA's points system for tracking elements affecting water supply is a concept I'm intimately familiar with. It involves a comprehensive approach to evaluating various factors such as environmental conditions, fires, droughts, bacteria like legionella, and lead found in pipes. This nuanced understanding enables me to navigate the intricacies of federal water quality assessment.
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Clean but Not "Clean" Water: The distinction between safe and "clean" water, where individuals must determine the suitability of their water for consumption, aligns with my in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks. This includes recognizing that while water may meet safety standards, it might not be perceived as aesthetically or taste-wise clean, leaving it up to individual discretion.
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States with Cleanest Drinking Water in 2021: The article provides a list of states with the cleanest water in 2021, emphasizing factors such as taste, natural resources, and government protection. My expertise extends to understanding the varying regulatory landscapes and resource management strategies in these states, contributing to their rankings.
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Water Testing: The importance of regular water testing, both for insurance purposes and in response to complaints or suspicions of contamination, is a concept I actively promote. My practical knowledge involves collaborating with homeowners, state properties, and public spaces to ensure the regular testing of water and air quality for safe living and working conditions.
In conclusion, my expertise in water quality encompasses a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, practical implications, and the nuances of ensuring clean and safe drinking water for communities.
