There is no doubt that the United States is one of the most advanced countries in the world, where simply turning the tap ON will bring water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing purposes.
However, have you ever wondered that beneath the surface lies a huge concern? We are talking about America’s aging infrastructure. Many of the water pipes were laid decades ago. So, as they deteriorate, they ultimately pose serious quality issues to the tap water.
In this detailed Frizzlife blog post, we are going to discuss the aging infrastructure of the United States and how it can impact the tap water quality.
So, hang around with us till the end, it will be worth reading.
Also, read our recent blog about Everything You Need to Know about Well Water Contamination
Latest Statistics on Tap Water Pipes in the US
Keep in mind that the state of America’s water infrastructure is becoming alarming day by day. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), around $6 billion of properly treated water is lost every day due to the poor infrastructure of water pipes.
Now, we think this stat is more than enough to tell that the aging infrastructure is not only causing damage to the tap water quality but also resulting in water waste.
Most of the pipeline in the United States is made of materials like lead, iron, etc. Some of the pipes were installed in the 20th century. According to the research we have done, there are more than 150,000 miles of water main lines in the US that are over 100 years old.
This raises serious concerns about the integrity and safety of the tap water.
Major regions, including New York City and Chicago, face significant challenges in maintaining tap water quality with aging infrastructure.
So…Is the United States’ Tap Water Quality at Risk?
The answer is mainly YES, because of the aging water infrastructure. Now the question arises here is that – what sort of risks are associated with the aging of water pipes? There is no need to look around, as we have got you covered.
Risk #1 Water Contamination
As the water pipes corrode and deteriorate, harmful substances can leach into the water supply. For instance, lead is the most common contaminant in this scenario. This can be mostly present in the older cities where lead-made pipes are used.
Due to the corrosion, the lead particles can enter the water that is passing through it and ultimately pose serious health threats to children and pregnant women.
Apart from lead, aging water pipes in the US can also be home to hazardous bacteria and chemicals. It is essential to note that the instances of waterborne diseases have been linked to compromised water systems.
So, there is an urgent need to take the necessary steps to address this serious issue within the country.
Risk# 02 – Infrastructure failure
Do you know? Aging water pipes are prone to failure, leading to significant disruptions. When the main water line breaks, it not only causes inconvenience but also poses extensive damage to property and house foundations.
Besides this, it also damages the major roads and disturbs the overall traffic. Most importantly, the economic cost of repairing the water main break is too high. According to a stat, a budget of $2.6 billion is required to fix water main break issues annually across the United States.
So, these are two of the major risks associated with aging water pipes in the US. Now, let’s move on to our next section.
Understanding Health Implications of the Risks
As we already know, aging pipes contaminate the water through different bacteria, chemicals, or even heavy metals like lead. This specific pollutant can impair cognitive development and lead to learning disabilities.
Additionally, other impurities, i.e., bacteria, chemicals, etc., can result in gastrointestinal issues, respiratory and digestive problems, etc.
Keep in mind that infants, kids, the elderly, and people with weaker immune systems are at high risk of getting affected due to the consumption of contaminated water.
What Steps Can You Take to Prevent the Risk Associated with Tap Water Quality
Below, we have discussed the exact procedure you need to follow to prevent the issue of tap water quality concerns in the US.
1. First, Test Your Tap Water:
First of all, you are required to test the quality of tap water. Doing so will help you determine what types of contaminants and impurities the water contains, allowing you to make it pure and clean.
You can either use water testing kits or refer to a certified laboratory. The second option is better because it is more accurate and provides detailed insights about the water contamination.
2. Install a Water Filtration System:
Next, depending on the level of contamination, you should then invest in a reliable water filtration system. It is specifically designed to filter out a wide range of impurities and contaminants from the water.
There is a huge variety of filtration systems available in the market. The most advanced ones are known as Reverse osmosis systems. These are expensive but capable of removing 99% of contaminants with excellent accuracy.
Some other types of filtration systems include under-sink water filters, countertop filters, and pitcher filters. All these have their own benefits and downsides, you can pick the one that fits your specific needs and requirements.
3. Keep a Close Eye on Tap Water Quality:
You shouldn’t just test the tap water for one time only; instead, it’s a continuous process. You should monitor the water after some time. This way, you can easily prevent the aforementioned risks of water that is processed through aging pipes.
If the issue of contamination persists continuously, then it is essential to immediately get in touch with the local authorities. Hopefully, they will take some precautions to ensure public safety.
Final Words
The aging water pipes throughout the United States are posing serious threats to the quality of tap water. When they corrode or deteriorate, toxic particles and contaminants mix into the tap water that is passing through it. In this detailed blog, we have explained every possible detail that you need to know in this regard.