Summary
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a map showing which U.S. states have the most contaminants in drinking water. Texas, New York, and California have the highest numbers of contaminants, some of which exceed legal safety limits. These contaminants can pose health risks, including cancer, to residents.
Key Facts
- The EWG Tap Water Database shows Texas has 207 drinking water contaminants, with 14 exceeding legal limits.
- New York has 197 drinking water contaminants, with 11 exceeding legal limits.
- California has 175 drinking water contaminants.
- The EPA sets maximum levels for harmful contaminants in drinking water, considering health and feasibility.
- In Texas, nearly 100,000 residents have high levels of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), a human carcinogen.
- More than 65,000 people in Texas have drinking water with unsafe arsenic levels.
- In New York, high levels of haloacetic acids (HAA5) and trichloroethylene impact over 40,000 people.
- The states with the fewest contaminants include North Dakota (46) and South Dakota (44), with minimal cases of exceeding legal limits.
