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To the Editor:
August is National Water Quality Month and while it may seem like quality tap water is guaranteed in this country, it isn’t.
From Newark, New Jersey to Fresno, California, cities throughout the United States have struggled to provide clean, safe drinking water to its citizens. Whether it’s toxic metals like lead or harmful pathogens like E. coli, an estimated 7.15 million Americans suffer from waterborne illnesses each year. Sadly, an estimated 6,630 of those illnesses were fatal.
One recent poll found that 73 percent of Americans are more concerned about their tap water quality than they were last year. Lead was the top concern among those polled, though fear over bacteria, pesticides, and other potentially harmful chemicals were also referenced.
Most tap water in the U.S. is safe to consume, but you never know when your community may face a power outage, treatment center failure, or water main break that could temporarily leave your family without safe water. FEMA recommends storing one gallon of water per person, per day, to use in emergencies.
Safe water should be a guarantee, but sometimes, it’s not. Take this month to make sure your family is prepared. Visit IsTapWaterSafe.com to look up the water quality in your area.

Will Coggin
Managing Director
Center for Accountability in Science