The WSJ points out many concerns about tap water. While it sounds "scary", its the context that matters. And remember, these stories make a great media splash, more so than any story that says, not doing too bad.
Yes, endocrine disruptors are not good for amphibians and fish, but they live in the water and are more susceptible than mammals.
As for other concerns, such as chlorine by-products and chloramine - Why are they used, because they disinfect the water, which is why the US is no longer plagued by cholera and typhoid. In some cases, the risk is in terms of a 1/10,000 chance of developing cancer if the same water is consumed over 70 years. The standards are set to be precautionary. In other cases, there is no recognized quid pro quo linking chloramine with health effects.
Finally, the reason all these concerns are popping up is because scientists and water systems are looking for them more and more, and new technology allows labs to find more chemicals at lower and lower levels.
Bottled water has all of the same potential concerns, is less regulated, the safety of the bottle is questionable, and the carbon foot print immense. Their product sells by eroding trust in public water supplies.
So, now what to do? Take a deep breath, then fill a glass from the tap, and take comfort in the idea that many scientists, professionals and regulators are trying to make it as safe as possible. And take every opportunity to keep source water clean, build infrastructure, and support science, to ensure that knowledge about tap water and the safety of tap water continue to improve.
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The WSJ points out many concerns about tap water. While it sounds "scary", its the context that matters. And remember, these stories make a great media splash, more so than any story that says, not doing too bad.
Yes, endocrine disruptors are not good for amphibians and fish, but they live in the water and are more susceptible than mammals.
As for other concerns, such as chlorine by-products and chloramine - Why are they used, because they disinfect the water, which is why the US is no longer plagued by cholera and typhoid. In some cases, the risk is in terms of a 1/10,000 chance of developing cancer if the same water is consumed over 70 years. The standards are set to be precautionary. In other cases, there is no recognized quid pro quo linking chloramine with health effects.
Finally, the reason all these concerns are popping up is because scientists and water systems are looking for them more and more, and new technology allows labs to find more chemicals at lower and lower levels.
Bottled water has all of the same potential concerns, is less regulated, the safety of the bottle is questionable, and the carbon foot print immense. Their product sells by eroding trust in public water supplies.
So, now what to do? Take a deep breath, then fill a glass from the tap, and take comfort in the idea that many scientists, professionals and regulators are trying to make it as safe as possible. And take every opportunity to keep source water clean, build infrastructure, and support science, to ensure that knowledge about tap water and the safety of tap water continue to improve.
August 19, 2008 - 9:46pmThis Comment
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