The model had shown promise in Flint before officials rebelled. Now Toledo is using it, while incorporating more public input. … more
The study concludes that thermally damaged drinking water pipes can be sources of VOC leaching. … more
Andrew Whelton’s latest study confirms that plastic drinking water pipes release benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the water supply when exposed to extreme heat. … more
Historic wildfires raging from California to Colorado are weakening watersheds and setting the stage for deadly mudslides and flooding and, in some places, threatening to poison critical water supplies… more
This work outlines factors that influence wildfire-induced drinking water quality threats based on the findings from the Tubbs Fire (2017) and Camp Fire (2018) and explores scientific and policy issues. … more
Top Piping Safety Researcher Urges Awareness & Action on Post-Wildfire Water Contamination When wildfires rage through areas with plastic water infrastructure, populations lose access to clean drinking water due to toxic contaminants that leach from the melted pipes. In recent years, wildfires such as the Tubbs Fire (2017) in Santa Rosa and the Camp Fire … more
Warning: Content May Be Disturbing to Some Audiences The global microplastics crisis has continued to expand and worsen as millions of tiny plastic particles invade even some of the most remote areas on earth. According to a study in Environmental Science and Technology, Americans who meet the suggested water intake made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consume 4,000 … more
The global microplastics crisis continues as tiny plastic particles invade even the most remote areas. Studies now find contamination also extends inside human bodies. Microplastics may pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, affecting vital organs and altering immune function. Chemicals leaching from plastic pipes, bottles, and microplastics further impact health. … more
The lead and copper rule was implemented in 1991 in response to the nearly 10 million lead water lines that existed in the US. Today, an estimated 6.1 million lead lines are still in service and are in dire need of replacement; as their existence poses the potential for lead contaminated water crises to the likes of … more
Studies of communities impacted by wildfires found burned and melted plastic piping contaminated community water systems with high levels of carcinogenic benzene. Research from the American Water Works Association, “Smoke and Water Don’t Mix,” looked for benzene sources in the wake of fire disasters in California. A research team from the EPA and the California … more