New research suggests something your grandmother already knew could be part of the answer to one of our biggest water problems.

Remember when you got sick as a kid and your mom told you to drink hot tea or soup? It turns out she might have been onto something bigger than anyone realized.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham recently published a study in the journal ACS ES&T Water (October 2024) that caught a lot of attention. They found that something as simple as boiling your tap water can reduce some of those “forever chemicals” called PFAS that have been showing up in water supplies all across America.

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What Are These Forever Chemicals Anyway?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — but most people just call them “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in nature. Ever. They’re like that annoying classmate who never goes away – except these chemicals can make people sick.

Companies have used PFAS to make things like non-stick pans, waterproof jackets, and even some food containers. The problem is, these chemicals eventually wash off into our water and stay there basically forever.

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What the Scientists Found

Professor Stuart Harrad and his team wanted to see just how bad the PFAS problem really was. So they went shopping – but not for groceries. They bought 112 different bottles of water from stores in England and China. They also collected tap water from homes in Birmingham, England and Shenzhen, China.

What they found was pretty concerning. About 63% of the bottled waters they tested had PFAS in them. That’s like flipping a coin twice and getting heads both times – it happened way more than anyone expected.

But here’s where it gets interesting. When they tested different ways to clean up the water, they discovered something promising.

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The Kitchen Discovery

The researchers tried two simple things you probably have in your kitchen right now:

• Boiling the water
• Using a basic water filter pitcher (like a Brita)

Both methods removed what Professor Harrad called “a substantial proportion” of some PFAS chemicals. But here’s the important part: it doesn’t work the same way for all types of PFAS, and it doesn’t remove them completely.

The study showed that boiling and filtering can help reduce PFAS levels, but the effectiveness depends on which specific type of PFAS you’re dealing with and what else is in your water.

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Why This Matters (But Isn’t a Magic Fix)

Here’s the thing that makes this research interesting: for years, experts told people there wasn’t much they could do about PFAS at home. These chemicals seemed impossible to get rid of without expensive, high-tech equipment.

This new research suggests that might not be completely true. Simple methods might help reduce some PFAS – though they won’t eliminate the problem entirely.

As Professor Harrad explained, while PFAS levels in most tested water samples didn’t present immediate health concerns, he emphasized the need for continued oversight and regulation to protect public health.

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The Reality Check

Before you start boiling every drop of water you drink, there are some important things to know:

What boiling CAN do:

• Reduce levels of certain types of PFAS
• Kill bacteria and other germs (like it always has)
• Work alongside other simple filtration methods

What boiling CAN’T do:

• Remove all PFAS completely
• Work equally well for every type of PFAS
• Replace the need for better water treatment systems

Important note: In some cases, boiling might actually concentrate certain chemicals as water evaporates, so the effectiveness really depends on your specific water situation.

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What You Can Do Right Now

If you’re concerned about PFAS in your family’s drinking water, you have some options to consider:

For drinking and cooking water:

• Try boiling water and letting it cool (may help with some PFAS types)
• Use a carbon filter pitcher (also may help reduce some PFAS)
• Consider having your water tested to know what you’re actually dealing with

🔍 Not sure what’s in your local water? Check your city’s water grade here.

Remember: these methods might help reduce some PFAS, but how well they work depends on which specific chemicals are in your water and at what levels.

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Looking at the Bigger Picture

This research is giving scientists some hope, but it’s just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. The team tested water from 15 different countries, so this isn’t just a problem in one place – it’s everywhere.

While boiling and basic filtration might help somewhat, we still need better solutions at the source. Cities and towns need better treatment systems, and companies need to stop using these chemicals in the first place.

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The Bottom Line

Sometimes the old ways can be part of new solutions. While scientists and engineers work on big, expensive fixes to remove PFAS from our water supply, families might be able to take some action right now with tools they already have.

Your great-grandmother probably boiled water to make it safe without knowing anything about chemistry or “forever chemicals.” She just knew it worked for killing germs. This new research suggests it might help with some modern problems too – though not as much as we’d all like.

The next time you’re making tea or cooking pasta, remember: you’re not just making dinner. You might also be reducing some contaminants in your water, even if you’re not solving the whole problem.

Just don’t expect boiling alone to be the complete answer. It’s one tool that might help, but we’re still going to need bigger solutions to really tackle the PFAS problem.

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This research was published in ACS ES&T Water by scientists from the University of Birmingham, Southern University of Science and Technology, and Hainan University. The study tested 112 bottled water samples and 55 tap water samples from the UK and China. Results showed that simple treatment methods like boiling and basic filtration can reduce some PFAS levels, though effectiveness varies by PFAS type and water chemistry.

Home Water Testing Surges as Americans Question Tap Water Quality

Meta Description: More Americans are testing their home water and buying filtration systems as concerns about tap water quality grow. Learn what’s driving this trend and how to make informed decisions about your water.

Walk into any home improvement store lately and you’ll notice something interesting: the water filtration aisle is packed. People are buying test kits, installing whole-house systems, and asking a lot more questions about what’s coming out of their taps.

Recent surveys show a clear shift in how Americans think about their drinking water. According to the 2024 Leaf Home Better Water Together Report, only 51% of Americans regularly drink tap water, while 69% now choose bottled water. Meanwhile, 70% of respondents in Aquasana’s 2023 survey expressed concerns about their unfiltered tap water quality—up from 34% just three years earlier.

Interestingly, trust in bottled water as the “most trustworthy” source has also declined significantly, dropping from 41% in 2019 to 20% in 2023 according to Aquasana—a 51% decrease in preference over four years.

This isn’t just a passing trend. Americans are fundamentally rethinking their relationship with tap water, and there are some pretty clear reasons why.

Why Trust in Tap Water Is Shifting

Recent events have shaped public perception:

Several high-profile water crises have made headlines in recent years, creating lasting impressions on public consciousness. The ongoing situation in Flint, Michigan, Jackson, Mississippi’s water system failures, and the 2021 Texas winter storm that left millions without safe water have all contributed to heightened awareness about water system vulnerabilities.

The numbers tell the story:

• 51% of Americans regularly drink tap water (Leaf Home 2024)
• 70% worry about unfiltered tap water quality (Aquasana 2023)
• 59% of utility customers rate their water as safe to drink, meaning roughly 41% do not (J.D. Power 2024)
• 63% have never tested their home water (Leaf Home 2024)
• Trust in bottled water as “most trustworthy” dropped 51% from 2019 to 2023 (Aquasana)

What’s driving the concern: People are hearing more about water quality issues than ever before. Boil water advisories that used to be rare local news items now get national attention. Social media amplifies stories about contamination discoveries. Parents are particularly concerned after reports of lead found in school water fountains across the country.

The EPA’s establishment of the first PFAS drinking water standards in 2024—with compliance required by 2029—has also brought “forever chemicals” into mainstream conversation.

The Home Water Testing Industry Responds

Market growth reflects consumer demand:

The home water testing market is experiencing significant growth as more people decide to check their water quality themselves. Companies selling DIY test kits, professional lab services, and filtration systems report increased demand.

What people are buying:

• At-home test kits for lead, bacteria, and various chemicals
• Professional laboratory testing services
• Point-of-use filtration systems
• Whole-house water treatment systems
• Specialized filters for specific contaminants

Who’s testing their water: The trend crosses demographic lines but seems particularly strong among parents of young children, health-conscious millennials, and residents of areas that have experienced water quality issues. According to the Leaf Home survey, 63% of Americans have never tested their home water, suggesting significant room for market growth.

Understanding the Infrastructure Challenge

Real issues behind the concerns:

Many American water systems face genuine challenges. Much of the country’s water infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s and is now reaching the end of its designed lifespan. The American Society of Civil Engineers has consistently rated U.S. drinking water infrastructure as needing significant investment.

Communication gaps: According to the J.D. Power 2024 study, while 59% of customers rate their water as safe to drink, roughly 41% do not share this confidence. The study also found that just 2% of customers recall receiving communication from their utility about PFAS contamination despite widespread news coverage. Additionally, the Leaf Home survey reported that 34% of customers don’t trust their home plumbing systems.

Regulatory landscape: Federal drinking water standards for many contaminants haven’t been updated in over 20 years. The EPA’s new PFAS standards represent the first major expansion of regulated contaminants in decades. Thousands of chemicals used commercially have never been tested in drinking water supplies.

What Home Testing Actually Reveals

Common findings from water tests:

When people test their water, they often discover various contaminants, though levels may or may not exceed federal safety standards. Common findings include:

Metals:

• Lead from older pipes and fixtures
• Copper from plumbing corrosion
• Arsenic from natural geological sources or industrial activities

Chemical contaminants:

• Chlorine and chloramine used in water treatment
• PFAS compounds from various industrial sources
• Agricultural chemicals from runoff
• Pharmaceutical residues that standard treatment doesn’t remove

Biological concerns:

• Bacteria from aging distribution systems
• Parasites that can survive standard treatment
• Viruses during system failures or emergencies

Many tests reveal multiple contaminants simultaneously, though individual levels may be within acceptable ranges.

The Economics of Water Anxiety

The financial impact is substantial:

For households:

• Quality home filtration systems range from $500 to $3,000
• Annual filter replacements cost $100 to $500
• Water testing typically costs $50 to $300 per test
• Bottled water can cost $500 to $1,000+ annually for a family

For the industry:

• Water filtration companies report strong growth
• Bottled water sales continue setting records
• Testing laboratories are experiencing increased demand
• Plumbing contractors are busy with filter installations

For communities:

• Water utilities face declining per-capita consumption
• Businesses invest in filtration to maintain customer confidence
• Schools and offices increasingly switch to bottled water
• Property values may be affected in areas with known water issues

Geographic and Demographic Patterns

Where concerns are highest:

Certain areas show higher levels of water quality concern, including communities near military bases (due to PFAS contamination), older cities with lead service lines, rural areas dependent on well water, and regions with industrial agriculture.

Trust varies by demographic: The American Water Works Association 2024 survey reported interesting patterns in water utility trust:

• 76% of White respondents trust their utility “a lot” or “some”
• 73% of Hispanic respondents express similar trust levels
• 65% of Black respondents report trusting their water utility
• Younger generations generally express more concern than older generations

Making Informed Decisions About Your Water

Smart approaches to water quality:

Start with information:

• Request your water utility’s latest annual quality report
• Check the EPA’s drinking water database for your area
• Determine if your home has lead service lines
• Research common contaminants in your region

Consider testing if:

• Your home was built before 1986 (potential lead issues)
• Water has unusual taste, smell, or appearance
• You live in an area with known contamination issues
• You have vulnerable family members (pregnant women, infants)

Choose filtration based on actual needs:

• Activated carbon filters for chlorine taste and some chemicals
• Reverse osmosis systems for comprehensive contaminant removal
• Lead-specific filters if testing reveals lead presence
• UV systems if biological contamination is a concern

Practical steps:

• Get informed about your specific water quality before purchasing equipment
• Test strategically for contaminants known to be issues in your area
• Match filtration systems to your actual water quality needs
• Stay updated on communications from your water utility

The Broader Implications

What this trend means:

The shift away from tap water reflects broader changes in how Americans view public institutions and infrastructure. When people don’t trust their water supply, they take individual action to protect themselves and their families.

Long-term considerations:

• Increased plastic waste from bottled water consumption
• Growing disparity between families who can afford filtration and those who can’t
• Reduced public support for water infrastructure investment
• Additional pressure on municipal water systems

What needs to happen:

• Continued investment in water infrastructure modernization
• Stronger regulation of industrial chemicals that can contaminate water supplies
• Better communication between water utilities and customers
• Proactive testing and treatment rather than reactive crisis management

American tap water remains among the safest in the world, with strict federal standards and regular testing. However, public confidence requires more than just meeting minimum standards—it requires transparency, communication, and proactive improvements to aging infrastructure.

The trend toward home water testing and filtration reflects a desire for personal control over water quality. While this individual action can provide peace of mind, it also highlights the need for continued investment in public water systems that serve everyone, regardless of their ability to buy their own filtration equipment.

Whether your water needs additional treatment depends on your specific situation, but having accurate information about your water quality is always a good foundation for making informed decisions.

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Sources: Leaf Home 2024 Better Water Together Report, Aquasana 2023 Water Quality Survey, J.D. Power 2024 Water Utility Customer Satisfaction Study, American Water Works Association 2024 Public Perceptions polling, Environmental Working Group Tap Water Database

Last Updated: June 30, 2025

Picture this: your kid walks up to the water fountain at school, takes a drink, and unknowingly consumes lead – a neurotoxin that can permanently damage their developing brain. Sound like a nightmare? For thousands of families across America, it’s becoming reality.

New testing data from schools nationwide is revealing something that should terrify every parent: lead contamination in school drinking water is way more common than anyone wants to admit. We’re talking about schools where kids have been drinking water with lead levels hundreds – sometimes thousands – of times higher than what’s considered safe.

The most gut-wrenching part? Many parents have absolutely no idea this is happening at their child’s school. Most states don’t even require schools to test their water for lead, and when they do find contamination, parents often don’t get told about it.

The Shocking Reality of What Kids Are Drinking at School

Here’s what recent testing has actually found:

The numbers are honestly terrifying when you start digging into what’s been discovered at schools across the country:

Real examples that will make you sick:

• Schools in Ohio, Illinois, and Massachusetts have found drinking fountains with lead levels far exceeding EPA action levels
• Some individual fixtures have tested at hundreds of times higher than regulatory thresholds
• Environment America’s research has documented extreme contamination cases across multiple states
• Recent state testing programs consistently find lead in school water systems

The scope of the problem:

• Many school districts don’t regularly test for lead in drinking water
• Among districts that do test, a significant portion find detectable lead levels
• Just 9 states and Washington D.C. have mandatory testing laws
• Most parents have no clue their kids might be drinking contaminated water

Why this is so dangerous for kids: Lead is basically poison for developing brains. Even tiny amounts can cause:

• Learning disabilities and reduced IQ
• Attention problems and behavioral issues
• Stunted growth and development
• Hearing problems
• Damage to the nervous system

Health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize that there is no level of lead exposure that’s been proven safe for children.

How Lead Gets Into Your Child’s School Water

It’s not coming from the city water supply:

Most school lead contamination doesn’t come from the municipal water system. The water arriving at the school is usually fine. The problem happens inside the building itself.

Where the lead actually comes from:

• Old water fountains with lead-containing parts
• Brass faucets and fixtures that contain lead
• Lead solder in pipe joints
• Old plumbing systems installed before lead was banned
• Water sitting in pipes overnight, especially over weekends

The “first drink” problem: Here’s something schools don’t want you to know: lead levels are often highest first thing in the morning when water has been sitting in pipes all night. So that first drink your kid takes at school? It might be the most contaminated water they’ll encounter all day.

Why schools aren’t catching this: Many schools only do “first draw” sampling, which doesn’t capture water that’s been sitting in contact with lead pipes away from the tap. This means they’re missing a lot of contamination.

Which Schools Are Most at Risk (And How to Find Out About Yours)

Your child is most likely to be exposed if they attend:

Older schools:

• Buildings constructed before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned)
• Schools that haven’t updated their plumbing systems
• Buildings with original water fountains and fixtures

Schools in certain states:

• States without mandatory testing requirements
• Areas with older infrastructure
• School districts with limited budgets for maintenance

Specific types of facilities:

• Elementary schools (younger kids are most vulnerable)
• Preschools and daycare centers
• Schools that rely on well water

How to find out about your child’s school:

Ask these specific questions:

• When was the last time drinking water was tested for lead?
• What were the results, and can you see them?
• Which water fountains or faucets tested highest?
• What actions has the school taken to address any contamination?
• Does the school have a written policy about lead testing?

Red flags to watch for:

• School won’t provide test results or says they “don’t have them”
• Testing was done more than 3 years ago
• School only tested a few outlets, not all drinking water sources
• Results show detectable lead levels above regulatory action thresholds

What Schools Should Be Doing (But Most Aren’t)

The gold standard for school water safety:

Proper testing protocol:

• Test every single drinking water outlet annually
• Include extended-sitting samples, not just first draw
• Use certified labs and proper sampling procedures
• Make all results public and easily accessible to parents

Immediate action when lead is found:

• Shut off contaminated fountains and faucets immediately
• Provide bottled water or install certified lead-removal filters
• Replace any fixtures or plumbing that contains lead
• Retest after fixes to ensure contamination is gone

Ongoing prevention:

• Install lead-free fixtures in all renovations
• Flush water systems regularly, especially after breaks
• Monitor and maintain filtration systems if installed
• Train staff on proper water safety procedures
• Follow EPA and state guidelines for action levels and remediation

How to Protect Your Child Right Now

Don’t wait for your school to act:

Immediate steps:

• Send your child to school with their own water bottle filled at home
• If you have a home water filter, use it to fill their bottle
• Tell your child to avoid drinking from school fountains until you verify they’re safe
• Request lead testing results from your school in writing

Home water safety:

• Test your home’s water for lead, especially if you live in an older house
• Install a certified lead-removal filter if needed
• Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if water has been sitting
• Never use hot water from the tap for drinking or cooking

Advocate for change:

• Join or organize other parents to demand lead testing at your school
• Attend school board meetings and ask about water safety policies
• Contact your state representatives about mandatory school testing laws
• Support candidates who prioritize school infrastructure funding

💡 Take Action This Week:

• Request test results: Contact your school and ask for recent lead testing data in writing
• Test your home water: Get a certified lead test kit or hire a professional
• Join parent groups: Connect with other parents concerned about school water safety
• Install home filtration: Invest in a quality water filter that removes lead

The States That Are Actually Protecting Kids (And the Ones That Aren’t)

States with mandatory testing:

• California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
• These states require regular testing and public reporting of results

States making progress:

• Colorado recently passed comprehensive school water testing laws
• Massachusetts requires testing and has strict action levels
• Texas has voluntary programs with state funding

States doing almost nothing: Many states still have no requirements for schools to test drinking water for lead. If your state isn’t on the “good” list above, your child’s school probably isn’t required to test their water.

The Financial Reality: Why Schools Resist Testing

The ugly truth about why schools avoid lead testing:

It’s not about the testing cost: Lead testing only costs $100-200 per sample. That’s not what schools are worried about.

It’s about what happens when they find lead:

• Replacing a single contaminated water fountain can cost $1,000-5,000
• Major plumbing overhauls can cost hundreds of thousands
• Installing filtration systems requires ongoing maintenance costs
• Legal liability if they knew about contamination and didn’t act

The perverse incentive: Many schools figure it’s better not to test because then they can’t be held responsible for what they don’t know. This is obviously terrible for kids, but it’s the financial reality schools face.

What Needs to Change (And How You Can Help Make It Happen)

The policy changes we need:

Federal requirements:

• Mandatory lead testing for all schools receiving federal funding
• Required public reporting of all test results
• Federal funding to help schools fix contamination problems
• Standards for replacement fixtures and maintenance

State-level action:

• Mandatory annual testing laws in every state
• Action level of zero (any detectable lead requires immediate action)
• Required notification to parents within 24 hours of finding contamination
• State funding for remediation in low-income districts

How you can make a difference:

• Vote for candidates who support school infrastructure funding
• Contact your representatives about federal school water testing requirements
• Support local school bond measures that include water system upgrades
• Volunteer with organizations pushing for school water safety

Look, the reality is that your child’s school water might not be safe, and you probably won’t know unless you specifically ask for test results. The system is set up to keep parents in the dark about this issue.

But here’s what you can control: you can send your kid to school with safe water from home, you can demand transparency from your school, and you can join other parents in pushing for real change.

Your child’s developing brain is too precious to leave to chance. Don’t assume their school water is safe – verify it. And if it’s not safe, don’t wait for bureaucrats to fix it. Take action to protect your kid right now.

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Sources: Environment America Research & Policy Center school water testing data, EPA voluntary school lead testing grant program, State-by-state school water testing requirements, CBS News investigative reporting on school water safety

Last Updated: June 30, 2025

When the power goes out, most people worry about losing their lights and heating. But there’s a much bigger problem that most folks don’t think about until it’s too late: when the electricity fails, so does your water system.

We’ve been seeing this nightmare scenario play out more and more across the country. Major power outages are knocking out water treatment plants and leaving entire cities without safe drinking water for days or even weeks. And honestly? Our infrastructure is so fragile that it’s only going to get worse.

The wake-up call came during that brutal winter storm in Texas back in 2021, but it’s been happening everywhere since then. From Jackson, Mississippi to communities across the South, power failures are creating water crises that affect millions of Americans.

How Power Outages Actually Destroy Your Water Supply

Here’s what happens when the lights go out at your water treatment plant:

Most people have no clue how dependent their water system is on electricity. Every step of getting clean water to your tap requires power:

The treatment process needs electricity for:

• Pumps that move water through the system
• Chemical injection systems that kill bacteria and viruses
• Filtration equipment that removes contaminants
• Monitoring systems that ensure water quality
• Pressure systems that deliver water to your home

When the power fails:

• Water treatment plants shut down completely
• Existing treated water in storage tanks runs out within hours
• Pumps can’t maintain water pressure throughout the system
• Without pressure, contaminated water can flow backward into clean pipes
• Bacteria and other nasties start growing in stagnant water

The cascade effect: Once a water system goes down, it’s not just a matter of flipping the power back on. Plants have to flush contaminated water, test everything for safety, and slowly bring systems back online. This process can take days or weeks.

Real Examples That Show How Bad This Problem Is

The Texas disaster that shocked everyone:

In February 2021, that massive winter storm didn’t just knock out power for millions of Texans – it completely destroyed water systems across the state. Over 800 local public water systems were affected, with millions of gallons of treated water lost through burst pipes and failed treatment plants.

Cities like Austin lost hundreds of millions of gallons of water. Residents were told to boil water for weeks, but many couldn’t even do that because they had no power for their stoves.

Jackson, Mississippi – when infrastructure completely fails:

Jackson’s water problems are the perfect example of what happens when you combine crumbling infrastructure with power grid failures. This city has basically become a real-time experiment in how NOT to run a water system.

Here’s what’s been going down: Back in 2021, a winter storm knocked out their main water treatment plant, and suddenly 150,000 people had no water for more than a month. Think about that – an entire month without being able to turn on your tap.

But the nightmare didn’t stop there. In 2022, heavy rains caused flooding that shut down their water treatment plant again. This time, 180,000 people lost access to safe drinking water. The city has issued boil water notices over 300 times since 2018 – that’s basically every few days.

What makes Jackson’s situation so maddening is that this isn’t just bad luck. The city’s water infrastructure is over 100 years old in some places, and nobody wanted to spend the money to fix it until everything started falling apart. Now they’re looking at a $2 billion repair bill.

Why these aren’t isolated incidents:

• Puerto Rico’s water systems collapsed after Hurricane Maria and still haven’t fully recovered
• Winter storms regularly knock out water systems across the South
• Extreme heat causes power grids to fail, taking water plants offline
• Aging infrastructure means small power disruptions cause major water failures

The Hidden Reasons This Crisis Is Exploding

Our water infrastructure was never built for climate extremes:

Most water treatment plants were designed decades ago when extreme weather was rare. Now we’re seeing:

More frequent grid failures:

• Heat waves that overwhelm electrical systems
• Winter storms that freeze power lines and equipment
• Flooding that shorts out electrical systems
• Hurricanes that destroy power infrastructure for weeks

Aging water systems that can’t handle disruptions:

• Many treatment plants are 50-100 years old
• Backup generators that don’t work or run out of fuel
• No redundant systems if the main plant fails
• Pipes that burst when pressure drops during outages

The financial reality: Most water utilities are broke. They don’t have money for backup power systems, infrastructure upgrades, or emergency planning. When disaster strikes, they’re completely unprepared.

Which Communities Are Most at Risk

You’re especially vulnerable if you live in:

Areas with aging infrastructure:

• Cities in the South and Midwest with old water systems
• Rural communities that can’t afford upgrades
• Low-income areas that have been neglected for decades

Climate-vulnerable regions:

• Texas and the Gulf Coast (hurricanes and extreme weather)
• The Southeast (ice storms and heat waves)
• California (wildfires that knock out power lines)
• Puerto Rico and other territories (hurricane-prone areas)

Communities that depend on single treatment plants:

• Small towns with only one water facility
• Cities that haven’t invested in backup systems
• Areas with no redundancy in their water supply

The environmental justice angle: Let’s be real – wealthy communities have backup plans and resources. Poor communities, especially communities of color, get left behind when water systems fail. Jackson, Mississippi is 82% Black and has been dealing with water crises for years while getting minimal help.

What Happens to Your Family When the Water Goes Out

The immediate health risks:

When power failures shut down water treatment, you’re not just dealing with inconvenience – you’re facing serious health threats:

Contaminated water can contain:

• E. coli and other dangerous bacteria
• Viruses that cause severe illness
• Chemical contaminants that weren’t filtered out
• Lead and other heavy metals from old pipes

The impacts on daily life:

• No water for drinking, cooking, or cleaning
• Toilets that don’t flush
• No showers or baths
• Restaurants and businesses forced to close
• Schools that can’t operate safely

Long-term consequences: Even after power is restored, water systems often remain unsafe for weeks. Boil water advisories become the norm, and many people never trust their tap water again.

Why Traditional Emergency Plans Don’t Work

The problem with current disaster response:

Most emergency planning focuses on getting the power back on, not on keeping water systems running during outages.

What usually happens:

• Power companies prioritize hospitals and emergency services
• Water treatment plants are often low priority for power restoration
• By the time power is restored, water systems are already contaminated
• It takes days or weeks to get safe water flowing again

The backup generator myth: Many treatment plants have backup generators, but they:

• Often don’t work when needed
• Run out of fuel within hours
• Can’t power entire treatment operations
• Haven’t been properly maintained

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Family

Don’t wait for disaster to strike:

Prepare for water emergencies:

• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for 3-7 days
• Keep extra water for cooking, cleaning, and pets
• Have water purification tablets or a good filtration system
• Know where to get emergency water if your system fails

Understand your local water system:

• Find out if your community has backup power for water treatment
• Learn where your water comes from and how it’s treated
• Ask your utility about emergency plans and backup systems
• Know the signs of water contamination

Install home backup systems:

• Consider a whole-house water filtration system
• Have a backup water source like a well if possible
• Install water storage tanks if you have space
• Get a generator that can power essential water systems

💡 Emergency Action Plan:

• Know your water source: Contact your utility to understand their backup power situation
• Build water reserves: Store emergency water now, before you need it
• Have filtration backup: Invest in quality water filters that don’t need electricity
• Stay informed: Sign up for emergency alerts from your water utility

The Long-Term Infrastructure Problem

Why this crisis will keep getting worse:

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave our drinking water infrastructure a C- grade. That means we’re looking at $625 billion in needed repairs over the next 20 years.

The funding gap:

• Water utilities need massive investments in backup power systems
• Most communities can’t afford infrastructure upgrades
• Federal funding is a drop in the bucket compared to actual needs
• Rate increases get pushback from customers

Climate change is making everything worse:

• More extreme weather means more power outages
• Aging systems can’t handle increasing stress
• Emergency repairs are more expensive than preventive upgrades
• Some communities may become uninhabitable due to repeated water failures

What Needs to Change (And What You Can Do About It)

The solutions exist, but we need political will:

What water utilities should do:

• Install redundant backup power systems at all treatment plants
• Upgrade aging infrastructure before it fails
• Create regional partnerships so communities can share resources
• Invest in distributed water systems that are more resilient

What governments should do:

• Prioritize water infrastructure in emergency planning
• Require backup power for critical water facilities
• Fund infrastructure upgrades before disasters strike
• Create regional emergency water supplies

What you can do:

• Contact your representatives about water infrastructure funding
• Ask your local utility about their emergency preparedness
• Support candidates who prioritize infrastructure investment
• Prepare your household for water emergencies

The reality is that our water infrastructure is falling apart, and power grid failures are just exposing how vulnerable we really are. Every extreme weather event is a reminder that clean, safe water isn’t guaranteed – it’s something we have to fight for and invest in.

Don’t wait for your community to become the next Jackson, Mississippi or the next Texas disaster. Start preparing now, and start demanding better from your leaders. Your family’s access to safe water might depend on it.

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Sources: ASCE Infrastructure Report Card, Jackson Mississippi water crisis documentation, Texas winter storm 2021 analysis, EPA water infrastructure assessments

Last Updated: June 30, 2025