Millions in U.S. Drink Dirty Water, Records Show
More than 20 percent of the nation’s water treatment systems have violated key provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act over the last five years, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data.
That law requires communities to deliver safe tap water to local residents. But since 2004, the water provided to more than 49 million people has contained illegal concentrations of chemicals like arsenic or radioactive substances like uranium, as well as dangerous bacteria often found in sewage.
Scientific research indicates that as many as 19 million Americans may become ill each year due to just the parasites, viruses and bacteria in drinking water. Certain types of cancer — such as breast and prostate cancer — have risen over the past 30 years, and research indicates they are likely tied to pollutants like those found in drinking water.
XX Sean’s note – rather than spending out more money bailing out banks – see my note on AIG yesterday – why don’t we spend some of that stimulus cash upgrading our water supply? It would be money ending up in America, not China, and there are some great U.S. firms already working in this space.
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