Meghan Hodges
Water pollution in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a pressing issue, with the Ohio River, from which the city sources its water, deemed highly susceptible to contamination. While the water quality meets federal health standards, the presence of harmful substances, including industrial pollutants, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, poses risks to human health and the environment. The detection of forever chemicals (PFAS), chromium, lead, and disinfection byproducts highlights the need for effective water treatment and pollution prevention measures to ensure safe drinking water for Cincinnati's residents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Source of water | Surface water from the Ohio River and groundwater from the Great Miami Aquifer |
| Water treatment plants | Miller Treatment Plant and Bolton Treatment Plant |
| Water treatment technology | Sand filtration, Granular Activated Carbon adsorption (GAC), Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC), and Ultraviolet disinfection (UV) |
| Contaminants | Chromium 6, Lead, VOCs, Solvents, Pesticides, Mercury, DBPs, Haloacetic acids, and Trihalomethanes |
| Pollution sources | Industrial pollution, Natural occurrences in mineral deposits, Old lead service pipes and lead plumbing |
| Health risks | Cancer, Bladder cancer, Kidney problems, Liver problems, Central nervous system problems, and Waterborne illness |
| Protection measures | Source water protection program, Turning off the intake and using stored water, Altering treatment processes, and GAC for removing chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Chromium-6 in drinking water
While I couldn't find specific information on the most common water pollution in Cincinnati, Ohio, I did find that Chromium-6 is a common contaminant in American drinking water, and it is likely that it is a problem in Cincinnati too.
Chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium, is a toxic form of the mineral chromium. Chromium-6 occurs naturally in the environment from the erosion of chromium deposits. However, high quantities are also produced by industrial processes and can contaminate water supplies when industrial sites fail to follow proper waste disposal methods, such as with unlined coal ash ponds.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 200 million Americans may have Chromium-6 in their drinking water. A report by the EWG also found that almost 90% of water systems sampled had Chromium-6 levels exceeding California's non-binding recommended public health goal of 0.02 parts per billion. In 2014, California became the first state to put a cap on Chromium-6 in drinking water, setting a value of 10 parts per billion.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a drinking water standard of 100 parts per billion for total chromium, which includes Chromium-6 and Chromium-3. The EPA regularly re-evaluates drinking water standards and is currently assessing the health risks of Chromium-6. The EPA has also initiated a review of the health effects of Chromium-6 in drinking water, which will include an evaluation of its toxicity and potential health effects associated with both inhalation and ingestion.
While the EPA does not currently have a maximum amount for Chromium-6 in drinking water, it is important to note that the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) uses state-of-the-art water treatment technology, including granular activated carbon (GAC), which has been recognized as an effective method for removing chemicals found in spills in the Ohio River, a source of drinking water for Cincinnati.
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Lead in tap water
While Cincinnati's water supply meets or exceeds all state and federal health standards for drinking water, lead is a common contaminant in the tap water. Lead enters tap water through old lead service pipes and plumbing. When corrosion control measures fail, lead leaches into the drinking water and can reach toxic levels. Recent analyses have found lead concentrations in Cincinnati water to be as high as 40.4 ppb, with 5 out of 110 sampled sites exceeding the Action Level of 15 ppb. While the city's water quality complies with federal regulations, it is important to recognize that there are no safe levels of lead according to the EPA, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics.
The Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) supplies water from two primary sources: the Miller Treatment Plant and the Bolton Treatment Plant. The Miller Treatment Plant treats surface water from the Ohio River and provides drinking water to 88% of GCWW's customers, including most of Cincinnati. On the other hand, the Bolton Treatment Plant treats groundwater from ten wells in the Great Miami Aquifer and supplies about 12% of GCWW water. The Ohio River, being a surface water source, is highly susceptible to contamination. GCWW implements several measures to protect drinking water, including source water protection programs and advanced water treatment technologies such as granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
GCWW routinely tests water quality and participates in an early warning system for organic detection in the Ohio River. This system provides downstream treatment plants with timely alerts about spills, allowing them to take necessary precautions. Additionally, GCWW employs state-of-the-art water treatment processes, including sand filtration, granular activated carbon adsorption (GAC), powdered activated carbon (PAC), and ultraviolet disinfection (UV). These treatments help ensure that Cincinnati's tap water meets health standards, despite the challenges posed by lead contamination.
To address lead contamination in tap water, it is crucial to prioritize the replacement of old lead service pipes and plumbing fixtures. Corrosion control measures should also be regularly maintained and monitored to prevent lead from leaching into the water supply. While GCWW's treatment processes effectively remove many contaminants, including those commonly found in spills, additional measures may be required to address lead specifically. Homeowners can also play a role in reducing lead exposure by installing water filters certified to remove lead or by regularly flushing their plumbing systems to minimize the presence of stagnant water, which can contain higher lead concentrations.
In summary, lead in tap water is a prevalent issue in Cincinnati, Ohio, despite the city's water supply meeting federal health standards. The primary sources of lead contamination are old lead pipes and plumbing, which can be mitigated through infrastructure upgrades and rigorous corrosion control. GCWW's treatment processes help ensure that the water supplied to residents is safe, but it is still advisable for individuals to take additional precautions, such as filtration or regular flushing of plumbing systems, to minimize potential lead exposure.
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PFAS compounds
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. PFAS compounds have been used since the 1940s in various household and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, carpets, food wrappers, firefighting foams, and metal plating. Due to their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation, PFAS has been classified as an emerging contaminant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA has set regulatory standards and maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for several PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS. When these compounds exceed the health advisory level, health departments recommend using bottled or filtered water for various activities, including drinking, cooking, and brushing teeth. However, it is important to note that the presence of PFAS in drinking water does not pose an immediate health concern, as the new levels are calculated based on lifetime exposure with built-in safety measures.
PFAS exposure can have potential health impacts, including cancer, liver and kidney disease, and developmental problems in children. The EPA's recent rule on PFAS is considered a comprehensive and life-changing action, aiming to improve the health of communities affected by these compounds. The new limits on PFAS exposure will help reduce health risks for millions of people and prevent thousands of illnesses.
While Cincinnati's water supply may contain trace amounts of PFAS, the local waterworks and authorities are actively working to mitigate and reduce these compounds. The detection and treatment of PFAS in Cincinnati's water supply demonstrate the city's commitment to providing safe and regulated drinking water to its residents.
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Treatment plants and water sources
The Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) supplies water from two sources: the Miller Treatment Plant and the Bolton Treatment Plant. The Miller Treatment Plant treats surface water from the Ohio River and supplies 88% of drinking water to GCWW customers, including most of the City of Cincinnati. The Ohio River is highly susceptible to contamination as it is open to the environment, and pollution may spread quickly with the flow of the river. GCWW has a source water protection program in place to prevent and monitor contamination in the river. It also has several options to protect drinking water, such as turning off the intake and using stored water until pollution passes, or altering a treatment process to remove contamination. The Miller Treatment Plant uses state-of-the-art water treatment technology, including sand filtration, granular activated carbon adsorption (GAC), powdered activated carbon (PAC), and ultraviolet disinfection (UV). GAC has been recognized as the best available technology for removing the most common chemicals found in spills in the Ohio River.
The Bolton Treatment Plant treats groundwater from ten wells in the Great Miami Aquifer near Fairfield. The aquifer is 150-200 feet deep and 2 miles wide. It supplies about 12% of GCWW water. Groundwater from the aquifer has been designated as highly susceptible to contamination due to the lack of a protective over-topping layer, typically made of clay.
In addition to the water sources and treatment plants discussed above, it is worth noting that Cincinnati's tap water has been found to contain various contaminants, including lead, chromium 6, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lead can enter tap water through old lead service pipes and plumbing, and recent analysis found lead concentrations in Cincinnati water to be as high as 40.4 ppb. Chromium 6, a toxic metal not regulated by the EPA, has been found in Cincinnati's tap water at levels nearly 6 times higher than the minimum concentration determined to have a negligible impact on cancer risk. DBPs, or disinfectant by-products, are another emerging contaminant in Cincinnati's tap water, formed when chlorine-based disinfectants are added to the water supply and combine with naturally occurring organic matter.
While GCWW and the treatment plants work to ensure safe drinking water, it is important for individuals to also take steps to protect themselves from potential contaminants. Water filtration systems can be installed in homes to reduce exposure to contaminants, and staying informed about water quality reports and any advisories or alerts issued by local authorities can help individuals make informed decisions about their water consumption.
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Pollution in the Ohio River
The Ohio River is a vital source of water for many communities in the region, including Cincinnati, which draws a significant portion of its drinking water from the river. However, the river faces several pollution challenges that pose risks to both environmental and human health.
One of the most pressing concerns regarding the Ohio River is its susceptibility to contamination. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has classified the river as highly vulnerable to pollution, especially from industrial sources. This vulnerability is due in part to the river's nature as a surface water body, open to the environment, where pollution can spread rapidly with the river's flow.
One notable example of industrial pollution in the Ohio River is the presence of "forever chemicals," also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These toxic chemicals have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues. While they are rarely detected in Cincinnati's drinking water, trace amounts are sometimes found in nearby communities, and the severity varies across the region. PFAS compounds are particularly challenging to regulate due to their widespread presence and the varying effectiveness of different water treatment methods.
Another contaminant of concern in the Ohio River is chromium, specifically chromium-6 or hexavalent chromium. This toxic metal is not regulated by the EPA but has been found in Cincinnati's tap water at levels nearly six times higher than the minimum concentration associated with an increased cancer risk. Chromium-6 can enter drinking water through industrial pollution or natural occurrences in mineral deposits and groundwater.
Lead is another pollutant that has been detected in Cincinnati's tap water. While the city's water quality complies with federal regulations, the EPA, CDC, and American Academy of Pediatrics have stated that no level of lead exposure is safe. Lead enters tap water through old lead service pipes and plumbing, and when corrosion control measures fail, it can reach toxic levels.
To address these pollution challenges, the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) has implemented several measures. The Miller Treatment Plant, which treats surface water from the Ohio River, employs state-of-the-art technology, including granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, recognised as the best available technology for removing common chemicals found in river spills. GCWW also has a source water protection program to prevent and monitor contamination and can alter treatment processes or switch to stored water during pollution events.
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Frequently asked questions
While the water in Cincinnati, Ohio, meets or exceeds all state and federal health standards for drinking water, it does contain some contaminants. These include lead, chromium-6, and industrial pollutants known as "forever chemicals" or PFAS. The presence of these contaminants in the water supply can vary depending on the specific location within the city and the treatment methods used.
The contaminants found in Cincinnati's drinking water have been linked to various health risks. Lead contamination can cause neurological and developmental issues, especially in children. Chromium-6 is a toxic metal that has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. "Forever chemicals" or PFAS have also been linked to cancer and other serious ailments.
The Greater Cincinnati Water Works supplies water from two sources: the Miller Treatment Plant, which treats surface water from the Ohio River, and the Bolton Treatment Plant, which treats groundwater from the Great Miami Aquifer.
The Ohio River is highly susceptible to contamination due to its open connection to the environment. Pollution can spread quickly with the flow of the river, and it is susceptible to industrial pollution and spills.
The city has implemented several measures to protect its water supply. The Greater Cincinnati Water Works uses state-of-the-art treatment technology, including granular activated carbon (GAC), to remove harmful substances. The city also participates in a coordinated early warning system that detects spills in the Ohio River, allowing treatment plants to take necessary measures before the contaminated water reaches their intakes.
