Which US Cities Have Poor Water Ratings
The water ratings of each city differ from one another. For example, recently, Flint, Michigan, has become infamous for having unsafe drinking water (source: https://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/04/us/flint-water-crisis-fast-facts/index.html). But which cities in the country have the worse tap water? Where does it fall in the ranking? Do you know where your city falls on the list of cities with the worst drinking water in the U.S.? Keep reading to learn the top 8 cities with the absolute worst drinking water quality in the United States.
8 and 9: Las Vegas, Nevada
Suppose you’re wondering why Las Vegas is occupying two spots on the list. In that case, it is because this city has suboptimal tap water quality in Las Vegas proper and North Las Vegas, with harmful contaminants like uranium, lead, and arsenic in North Las Vegas. Including radium and chloroform, the Environmental Working Group or the EWG has reported nine pollutants in the water supplied. So be vary on the water you drink every day; it might not be as safe as you think.
7: Haworth Borough, New Jersey
Reports have found as many as 12 contaminants in tap water supplied in this city. Further, the mining waste pollution contributes another 29 contaminants to the water. Therefore, if you ever find yourself in an unfamiliar location within the city, be sure to bring your water along with you.
6: Pensacola, Florida
You thought nine contaminants is something to be worried about? Well, the EWG has found 27 hard metals and ions above the guidelines of the health limit.
5: Jacksonville, Florida
Unfortunately, Florida makes a second appearance on the list. Lead and Calcium, along with many other unwater materials, contaminate Jacksonville's water, of which 23 are of grave concern to the consumers' health. Moreover, the water has 60.3 parts per billion total trihalomethanes, which are cancer-causing contaminants. This number is 402 times more than what is suggested as "safe" under health guidelines published by the EWG.
4: Brady, Texas
The tap water contains 11 contaminants exceeding the safety margin, with 19 posting a threat to health. These numbers might not sound like a lot. Still, the water also contains radium, twice as high as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended.
3: San Diego, California
San Diego might be one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, but that does not guarantee drinking water safety. Reports suggest that over 13 contaminants contaminate the water with concentrations exceeding the limit deemed safe. In addition, 26 are of serious concern to the health.
2: Houston, Texas
Exceeding the health guidelines, the water in Houston has 13 contaminants. However, it also contains radioactive mineral particles and deposits, along with halo acetic acid and other illicit levels of mining pollutions.
1: Omaha, Nebraska
A total of 25 contaminants present concern. With 13 going beyond the safety guidelines published by the EWS. The trihalomethanes are 241 times over the safety limit.
What Can You Do?
If your city is on the list, then don’t stress. There are many ways to ensure you have access to clean drinking water. One of the best ways to do so is to maintain your commercial water heater. An efficient water heater will control bacterial growth and keep your water free of toxins. If you want to know more about water heaters and how to maintain them, contact Water Heating Direct today!
EWG Sources:
Las Vegas - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=NM3518025
Haworth Borough - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=NJ0238001
Pensacola, Florida - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=FL1170525
Jacksonville, Florida - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=FL2161328
Brady, Texas - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=TX1540001
San Diego, California - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=CA3710020
Houston, Texas - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=TX1010013
Omaha, Nebraska - https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=NE3105507