Water Pollution: States With The Worst Aquatic Health

Water pollution is a pressing issue in the United States, with many states facing contaminated water supplies that pose risks to human health and the environment. While industrial facilities are major contributors to water pollution across the nation, certain states stand out for their particularly poor water quality. From Georgia's polluted rivers and wells to New Jersey's toxic tap water, here is an overview of the states with the most concerning water pollution issues in the US.

Industrial and commercial facilities discharge toxic pollutants

Water is a "universal solvent," capable of dissolving more substances than any other liquid on Earth. This quality makes it highly susceptible to pollution. Water pollution is caused by toxic substances from farms, towns, factories, and other sources dissolving and mixing with it. In the United States, agricultural pollution is the leading cause of contamination in rivers and streams, the second-biggest source in wetlands, and the third in lakes.

Commercial activities, such as those carried out in factories and industrial plants, produce non-sewage wastewater. This type of wastewater includes water contaminated with various toxic substances during manufacturing, cleaning, and other commercial processes.

Mining operations, for instance, generate wastewater discharges that can affect surface and groundwater quality, drinking water supplies, and even air quality. Similarly, shale gas extraction and natural gas extraction processes, including hydraulic fracturing, produce large volumes of wastewater that can contain toxic chemicals.

To address these issues, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented regulations and programs, such as the National Pretreatment Program, to control discharges from industrial and commercial sources into municipal sewer systems. Additionally, the Clean Water Act establishes pollutant discharge limits, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act provides further regulations to prevent sewage sludge disposal.

The impact of industrial and commercial facilities on water pollution is significant, and proper treatment and management strategies are crucial to mitigate their environmental and health effects.

Stormwater runoff and urban pollution

The sources of stormwater pollution have been studied for the past 50 years, and while progress has been made in identifying the major sources, a comprehensive overview of all contributing sources is still lacking. This is partly due to the continuous introduction of new materials, chemicals, and substances into the environment, making the identification of stormwater pollution sources a continuous work in progress.

One of the key challenges in addressing stormwater runoff pollution is the slow implementation of regulations by cities and towns. Municipal stormwater runoff has been subject to regulation since 1987, but compliance has been slow and difficult. This has resulted in about half of the United States' stream and river miles continuing to violate federal water quality standards. Surveys have shown that around 70% of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, and over 70% of the nation's coastlines, are impaired.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a significant concern. PFAS are synthetic chemical compounds widely used in modern manufacturing for their resistant properties. They are branded as "forever chemicals" due to their high resistance to degradation. A 2023 report by the United States Geological Survey found that at least 45% of drinking water in the United States contains PFAS, exposing humans and animals through water and food consumption. The presence of PFAS has led to water quality issues in states such as New Jersey, where an estimated one in five residents regularly drink water contaminated with PFCs (a type of PFAS).

In addition to PFAS, other contaminants such as lead, chlorine, iron, sulfate, and mineral compounds have been found in unsafe levels in tap water across the United States. For example, in 2019, approximately 1,500 of Ohio's public water systems violated EPA water quality standards, with 58 being serious violators. Similarly, rural farming communities in California struggle with arsenic- and uranium-contaminated water systems, combined with high nitrate levels, posing potential health risks to residents.

To address stormwater runoff and urban pollution, a range of solutions can be implemented, including municipal wastewater treatment, erosion and sediment control, and the use of advanced filtration systems such as carbon block filters, which can effectively reduce pollution in drinking water.

Waterborne pathogens from human and animal waste

In the US, waterborne diseases affect over 7 million people annually, resulting in billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The CDC has identified 17 pathogens that cause waterborne diseases, leading to emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and even deaths. Waterborne pathogens can enter water sources through various means, including sewage treatment facilities, agricultural runoff, and urban stormwater runoff.

Agricultural pollution is the top source of contamination in rivers and streams in the US. The agricultural sector is the largest consumer of freshwater resources, and farming and livestock production contribute significantly to water degradation. Domestic animals, such as poultry, cattle, sheep, and pigs, can contaminate recreational waters and drinking water sources with excreta and pathogens. These zoonotic pathogens are transported through the environment, especially via runoff, posing a potential hazard to human health.

To address waterborne pathogens, comprehensive solutions are required. This includes implementing and enforcing regulations, such as the Clean Water Act, to reduce sewage outflow and industrial wastewater pollution. Additionally, managing stormwater runoff, erosion and sediment control, and treating municipal, agricultural, and industrial wastewater are crucial. Public education and prevention campaigns are also essential to ensure people understand the risks associated with waterborne pathogens and can take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.

While progress has been made in reducing water pollution, ongoing challenges remain. Aging water infrastructure, complex water systems, and increasing water demands contribute to the difficulty of ensuring water safety. Furthermore, low-income communities are disproportionately affected by water pollution, as they are often located closest to the most polluting industries. Therefore, addressing waterborne pathogens requires a collaborative effort involving policymakers, industry, public health organizations, and other stakeholders to protect public health and improve water quality.

Agricultural pollution

Agriculture is a leading cause of water pollution in the United States, with agricultural runoff being the primary source of water quality degradation in rivers and streams, the third leading source for lakes, and the second largest source of impairments to wetlands. The National Water Quality Assessment shows that about half a million tons of pesticides, 12 million tons of nitrogen, and 4 million tons of phosphorus fertilizer are applied annually to crops in the continental United States. Soil erosion, nutrient loss, bacteria from livestock manure, and pesticides are the main stressors on water quality.

Water experts have evaluated over 700,000 miles of rivers and streams across the country and concluded that half of those waters are too polluted to fish or swim in, with agriculture being a major contributor to this pollution. The Clean Water Act, which promised that all waters would be "fishable and swimmable" by 1983, has not been fully realized due to challenges in enforcing certain industry-specific water pollution standards and regulating nonpoint sources of pollution.

Oil spills and industrial waste

Oil Spills

Oil spills can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on water quality, ecosystems, and public health. One of the most notable oil spills in US history was the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, which occurred when a BP oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico about 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana. This spill released between 1,000 and 60,000 barrels of oil per day, and by the time it was contained 87 days later, an estimated 3.19 million barrels of oil had leaked into the Gulf. The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, which released nearly 11 million gallons of oil into the sensitive habitats of Alaska's Prince William Sound, was another significant incident. These spills have had far-reaching consequences, including harm to sea creatures, contamination of seafood, and disruption to local economies.

In addition to these large-scale disasters, there are also thousands of smaller oil spills in coastal waters each year, ranging from ship collisions to fuel transfer mishaps. Even small spills can cause significant environmental and economic harm, depending on their location and the time of year. Oil spills can also occur on land, with factories, farms, and cities contributing to nearly half of the estimated 1 million tons of oil that makes its way into marine environments annually.

Industrial Waste

Industrial waste is another major source of water pollution in the United States. While federal legislation addressing water pollution has been in place since the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, this initial legislation did not specifically address industrial waste. It was not until the 1970s that the control of industrial pollution was effectively regulated in the US. Despite these regulations, industrial waste continues to be a significant issue. The United States Geological Survey reported in 2023 that at least 45% of drinking water in the country contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals." The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified around 70,000 water bodies that do not meet revised water quality standards due to PFAS contamination.

Wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of industrial waste on water sources. These facilities process about 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day, reducing the amount of pollutants such as pathogens, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals. However, aging and overwhelmed sewage treatment systems can also release untreated wastewater, contributing to water pollution.

Frequently asked questions