How Does Water Affect Our Health?

So what do the elemental characteristics of water mean for the living things on the planet that must consume water to live? According to former EPA Administrator, William K. Reilly, "Drinking water in the U.S. is among the top four public health risks posed by environmental problems." The Center for Study of Responsive Law's, Troubled Water on Tap report, states that over 2,100 contaminants have been found in drinking water. Of those 2,100, 190 are known to cause adverse health effects. In total, 97 carcinogens, 82 mutagens and suspected mutagens (cause cell mutations), 23 tumor promoters and 28 acute and chronic toxic contaminants have been detected in U.S. drinking water.

Find Out More on Water Contamination > > >

Use the convenient links provided on the right side of this page to find out more about water contamination and its effects on our health and the environment.

Types of Water Contaminants

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

If you are as passionate about water research as we are here at PDW, click here to find out more about our Career Opportunities.