The Safe Drinking Water Act created new quality standards for tap water in the U.S. when it was signed in 1974.
It makes sure dozens of contaminants are regulated, including the recent addition of PFAS or “forever chemicals.” But there’s more concern now over water supply.
Chad Seidel, a water engineer and president of Corona Environmental Consulting in Colorado, says climate change and aging infrastructure pose the biggest threats.
"It's going to take vigilance to keep that up to date and avoid the risk of failure. And by doing so, we can make sure that everybody has safe, affordable and reliable water for everybody, everywhere, all the time," Seidel said.
Seidel says he’s concerned that declining investment in water infrastructure could jeopardize pipes, treatment plants, and the people who keep them running.
"We're seeing more and more instances of water systems on the verge of failing, and in some cases failing altogether, to maintain their water supply to their communities, and I think that risk is significantly greater for both public health and just our own communities thriving than the concern over other contaminants that we maybe haven't yet regulated," Seidel said.
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On Sept. 8, KJZZ water reporter Alex Hager presented your questions and concerns to a panel of experts.
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