Water Contamination is a dangerous, all too common problem in many communities in the US. The communities most affected by water contamination are disproportionately POC and lower-income communities.
Environmental Inequality in the US
Environmental inequality is an environmental burden that is felt primarily by disadvantaged or minority populations. Climate change is one of the most prominent examples of this. Its effects have a higher impact on poor and minority communities. Another environmental inequality seen in the US is water contamination in neighborhoods with higher percentages of POC. The most widely known is Flint, Michigan, which experienced lead contamination in its water supply and has still not gotten all the help it needs. This contamination is also present in many Native American reservations.
Water Contamination in Lower-Income and POC Communities
When thinking of water contamination in the US, Flint, Michigan often comes to mind. However, it is hardly the only case. Communities such as Kern County and San Joaquin Valley have also had issues with water contamination. Many of the communities affected do not get the help they need on time.
A 2019 study found that community water systems serving lower-income or POC communities had higher nitrate levels in their drinking water. This was especially true for Hispanic communities. The study found that the percentage of Hispanic residents served by a water system exceded 5 milligrams of nitrate per liter 3 times as often as water systems that serve non hispanic communities
Native American reservations are also affected by water contamination at an alarming rate. A 2021 paper found that an estimated 48% of households on reservations do not have clean water or adequate sanitation. It also determined that Native Americans are 19 times more likely not to have indoor plumbing with running water. In addition to access to water in general, many of these communities also do not have access to clean drinking water. A small study by the John Hopkins Center for American Indian Health on the Navajo Nation found that the population has Escherichia coli in 8% of water samples and other coliform bacteria in 44% of samples. Many of these water contamination issues come from deteriorating plumbing systems and contaminations from mining and construction projects, such as the Dakota pipeline. The bacteria and minerals in contaminated water can cause dangerous, long-term health issues.
Health Problems from Water Contamination
The Environmental Protection Agency has shown that water contaminated by chemical exposure can have a wide variety of effects on a person’s health based on the chemical and its quantity in the contaminated water. The effects can cause issues ranging from diarrhea and skin discoloration to severe problems with organs and the nervous system. In some cases, long-term low exposure can lead to chronic conditions such as cancer.
The Center for Disease Control has found that high nitrate levels can decrease a person’s ability to properly oxygenate their tissues. This can cause a decrease in blood pressure, increased heart rate, stomach cramps, vomiting, and headaches. Lead can also lead to long-term health issues and, in extreme cases, even be fatal.
What’s Being Done
With water contamination often being considered a human rights issue, many organizations worldwide are working to provide clean water to communities. One of these organizations is The US Water Alliance. This organization works to make clean water available and sustainable for all communities and to improve diversity and inclusion. Some organizations are explicitly aimed at helping Native American Communities, such as The Navajo Water Project and Tribal Clean Water.
