Study Finds 97 Million Americans Exposed to Unregulated Chemicals in Drinking Water

Researchers highlight racial disparities in exposure and call for stronger federal regulations to address contamination risks.

A new analysis by the Silent Spring Institute found that 27% of U.S. public water systems contain at least one harmful, unregulated chemical, affecting approximately 97 million people.
Detected contaminants include PFAS 'forever chemicals,' 1,4-dioxane, chlorodifluoromethane, and 1,1-dichloroethane, all linked to serious health risks like cancer and organ damage.
Black and Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected due to closer proximity to pollution sources such as industrial sites, airports, and wastewater treatment plants.
The Environmental Protection Agency plans to regulate six types of PFAS by 2029, but experts stress the need for broader regulations and improved protections for source water.
Researchers recommend granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration systems as effective options for reducing exposure to these contaminants in households.