Abstract
Drinking water quality can be compromised by heavy metals, such as copper and lead. If consumed raw, water can pose a health burden to the general population. In this study, the roles of heavy metals and biological contaminants have been explored in determining the quality of drinking water available to consumers of various socioeconomic backgrounds in the United States. In an effort to gain an understanding of possible social disparities in drinking water, a quantitative analysis was conducted to examine whether vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted by drinking water contaminants. Our data indicated that states with middle-average household incomes were statistically more susceptible to higher levels of lead in drinking water. The states with higher-average household incomes demonstrated lower copper levels compared to those with lower incomes, although a direct correlation was not present. No statistical significance was observed in the total coliform and turbidity levels in correlation to the average household incomes. In general, more violations in water quality were prevalent in middle-income states when compared to the states with lower-average household incomes.
Highlights
Drinking water is a for-granted utility for many people in the United States
Considering private wells are not regulated by the federal government, about forty million individuals in the United States [2] are left uncovered by the Safe Drinking Water Act [3]
The data obtained were carefully controlled for any bias or discrepancy that would have arisen if unregulated water sources were to be evaluated
Summary
Drinking water is a for-granted utility for many people in the United States. It is obtained from ground and surface sources, prior to being treated with chemicals to meet federal standards.If consumed raw, water can pose a health burden to the general population. Drinking water is a for-granted utility for many people in the United States. It is obtained from ground and surface sources, prior to being treated with chemicals to meet federal standards. Considering private wells are not regulated by the federal government, about forty million individuals in the United States [2] are left uncovered by the Safe Drinking Water Act [3]. This inadequacy in the justice system leaves hundreds of small and rural communities vulnerable to unsafe drinking water, due to modest socioeconomic backgrounds dictating their inability to mitigate the risks
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