Massachusetts First

The answer to that question is one that surprised me. Several years ago, I received a letter from our local Water Department stating that the water we were drinking contained high levels of contaminants deemed unsafe to drink. Of course, I received the letter AFTER the problem was fixed, but the water department could not tell me how long this was going on as they do not monitor for all contaminants regularly. In my case, the last time they checked for this particular issue was five years prior! So how long was I drinking contaminated water? This led me down a path to figure out a way to make the water safer to drink.

I came across a nonprofit corporation, Environmental Working Group (EWG), which is actively developing laws to clean up our water and prevent governments from adding unnecessary chemicals to the water we drink. In addition, they have also built a tap water database (https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/) which uses testing results from water facilities to inform residents of the contaminants found in their drinking water. EWG usually has higher standards for the levels of contaminants, with good reason. While the government does have guidelines in place for some contaminants, they are not in place for ALL contaminants.

When you go to the database, type in your zip code. Find your water utility and click on the link. Once you are redirected to the correct location, you will receive a report of the contaminants in your water. Under each contaminant, you can also click for more details and learn the legal limit (if there is one), the national average, and the state average of this contaminant. Associated health risks are also included.

Take some time to research what you learned. While the information you discover may be alarming for many, EWG will also suggest a solution on how you can help rid your water of these harmful contaminants. Whether through an activated carbon filter, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange, options exist. EWG also encourages you to contact your local official(s) to push for cleaner water. Since water is vital for survival, I want to ensure I am drinking the cleanest and safest quality water, and I hope the same for you.

by Charlie W.