Water pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a personal health concern that affects the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in every day. While pollution might seem like an abstract problem happening “somewhere else,” the reality is that contaminants can make their way into your tap water or groundwater, putting you and your family at risk.
Understanding where water pollution comes from, how it affects your health, and what you can do to protect your household is more critical than ever.
Leading Causes of Water Pollution
- Agricultural Runoff
One of the largest contributors to water pollution is from agriculture: fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides used on farms often wash into nearby rivers, lakes, and streams after rainfall, introducing toxic substances into drinking water sources.
Additionally, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) produce vast amounts of manure, which can leak into groundwater or be carried into surface waters, spreading bacteria, nitrates, and phosphorus.
- Industrial Discharges
Factories and manufacturing plants release a variety of pollutants, including heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic), solvents, and toxic chemicals. Many industrial facilities are subject to regulations, but spills, illegal dumping, and outdated treatment systems still allow contaminants to reach drinking water supplies.
- Urban and Residential Runoff
The heavily populated cities and residential areas in the Greater New York region contribute to pollution through stormwater runoff. When rain falls on roads, sidewalks, and rooftops, it collects oil, grease, heavy metals, and other pollutants before flowing into storm drains that lead directly to local waterways. Lawn fertilizers, pet waste, and improperly disposed household chemicals also add to the problem.
- Aging Infrastructure and Wastewater Treatment Failures
Aging water treatment plants and outdated sewer systems contribute to pollution by failing to remove all contaminants before water reaches consumers. During heavy storms, some sewer systems even overflow, discharging raw sewage into rivers and lakes. Additionally, many drinking water pipes in our cities in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York state are aging and corroding, leading to potential contamination from lead and other harmful substances.
- Emerging Contaminants: The PFAS Crisis
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have become a an enormous problem and significant water pollution concern. PFAS are used in everything from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foams, and they don’t break down in the environment. Instead, they accumulate in groundwater and surface water, making their way into municipal drinking water systems. Exposure to PFAS is linked to serious health risks, including cancer, immune system suppression, and hormone disruption.
How Water Pollution Affects Your Health
Contaminated water can cause both immediate and long-term health problems. Following are some of the most significant results:
- Gastrointestinal and Infectious Diseases
Bacteria like E. coli and viruses from sewage contamination can cause severe stomach illnesses, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. These are especially dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
- Developmental and Neurological Damage
Heavy metals such as lead and mercury can have devastating effects, particularly on young children. Even at low levels, lead exposure can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues.
- Cancer and Chronic Diseases
Long-term exposure to industrial pollutants and chemicals like PFAS, arsenic, and nitrates has been linked to cancers of the liver, kidneys, bladder, and stomach. Some contaminants can also contribute to reproductive issues and hormonal imbalances.
- Endocrine Disruption and Hormonal Effects
Many pollutants, including certain pesticides and PFAS, act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the body’s hormonal system. This can lead to reproductive problems, thyroid disorders, and metabolic changes.
- Blue Baby Syndrome
High levels of nitrates in drinking water can interfere with oxygen transport in infants, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as blue baby syndrome. This is a particular concern in agricultural regions where fertilizers have contaminated groundwater.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
With so many sources of water pollution, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your drinking water. Here’s what you can do:
- Check Your Water Quality Regularly
Stay informed! Most municipalities provide annual water quality reports. These reports list detected contaminants and whether they exceed safe levels. If your water oder or taste is suspect, take action and get it tested by a state-certified testing laboratory.
If you have a private well, get your drinking water tested at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and emerging contaminants like PFAS.
- Be Proactive After Storms or Flooding
In the aftermath of major storms that can overwhelm wastewater treatment facilities, and municipal and private water systems and cause waterway contamination, be proactive to ensure your water is safe.
- Use High-Quality Water Filtration
A good home water filtration system can significantly reduce contaminants in your drinking water. Look for filters certified to remove lead, PFAS, and other harmful substances. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters are among the most effective.
- Avoid Contributing to Pollution
- Dispose of household chemicals, medications, and paints properly through town or city provided resources—never pour them down the drain.
- Minimize the use of chemical lawn fertilizers and pesticides, as these chemicals can seep into groundwater or wash into rivers and lakes. Consider using organic or slow-release options to minimize runoff into local waterways
- Pick up pet waste to prevent bacteria and parasites from contaminating water sources.
- Advocate for Drinking Water Safety
- Support clean water protection actions and organizations
- Encourage local businesses and farms to adopt sustainable practices that reduce runoff pollution.
- Participate in local clean-up efforts to keep waterways free of trash and pollution.
Clean, Safe Water is a Right
By testing your water, investing in filtration, reducing pollution in your own household, and supporting clean water organizations and efforts, you play a vital role in ensuring a safer and healthier future. Clean, safe water is a right—not a privilege—and with awareness and action, we can all help safeguard it for generations to come.
