by Ellie Gabel
Humans can’t survive very long without water — that’s why preparation is key in an emergency. During a crisis, drinking water can become contaminated, making people and animals sick. Understanding the potential threats and how to detect and safeguard critical water sources is essential.
Common Sources of Drinking Water Contamination
Numerous sources of drinking water contamination exist, from natural disasters to aging pumps and malfunctioning wastewater treatment plants. Agricultural sites, nuclear energy plants and hydraulic fracturing companies are also prone to spills and accidents, releasing harmful substances into waterways.
When Hurricane Helene blew through Asheville, North Carolina, in 2024, it swept away water lines — including those buried 25 feet underground — cutting off access for the community and posing a heightened risk to those with private well water. Nearly 42 million people in the U.S. rely on private wells for their water supplies, which are usually unregulated.
Intense wildfires contaminate watersheds by releasing heavy metals, nitrogen, phosphorus and burnt vegetation. Plastic pipes and other human-made materials may also degrade and enter water infrastructure, while mudslides and debris impede quality.
Some areas have old pipes lined with lead. For instance, Flint, Michigan, has spent the last decade replacing lead pipes that poisoned citizens. In Chicago, 68% of children under six drink water from lead plumbing.
Emerging Threats and Risks
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.1 million Americans get sick annually from germs in their drinking water, or about one in 300 people. The most common bacteria are Legionella.
In 2022, approximately 1.7 billion people got their water from a feces-contaminated source. Microbial water pollution results in serious health risks, with 1 million expected to die from diarrhea each year due to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation.
Other threats include heavy metals, harmful nitrates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances and plastic. According to one study, nitrate water contamination caused 54% to 82% of colorectal cancer cases in the U.S.
In another study of 716 private wells and public utilities across the country, 45% of samples contained troubling concentrations of at least one PFAS — forever chemicals. Researchers have found that some PFAS could cause human development, metabolic and immune system disorders, and various cancers.
Plastic pollution is among the greatest threats to water supplies. In 2019, the world generated 353 million metric tons of plastic waste, and 82 million metric tons are still mismanaged today. It can take 200 years for straws to degrade and 450 years for plastic water bottles, which then become microplastics. Humans might endure reproductive problems, neurotoxicity and oxidative stress when it enters the food chain.
How to Identify Unsafe Water
Unsafe water detection begins with the senses. Water might appear cloudy or discolored in a glass or have floating particles near the surface. A strong metallic, chlorine or rotten egg smell is another indication of contamination, as is a salty, bitter or chemical taste.
Sometimes, water shows no signs of pollution. It is best to take precautions and test or treat water, especially if an area has experienced severe flooding, a chemical spill or another type of disaster. A home with old plumbing might also pose a silent risk.
At-home water test kits are easy to come by and detect bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates and pH imbalances. Citizens can request a kit from their local or state health department or water treatment company. Some companies also provide free, in-home water inspections. Although water tests detect common contaminants, they might overlook forever chemicals and microplastics.
Practical Steps to Protect Drinking Water at Home
Individuals can take special care to protect themselves from consuming or bathing in contaminated water. Experts recommend storing 1 gallon of water per household member per day for two weeks in case of an emergency. (Read more about water storage preps.)
Applying certified filtration and purification technologies is another approach to ensure clean water. Reverse osmosis and nanofiltration systems can remove up to 90% of emerging contaminants, including PFAS.
Boiling water with lots of minerals can also remove 80% of microplastics, such as polystyrene, polyethylene and polypropylene, between 0.1 and 150 micrometers in size. Water purification tablets can also filter bacteria and chemicals for safer drinking water.
It is crucial to test private well water once annually for bacteria and nitrates, especially if there is a foul odor or a change in color or taste. Like many other agencies, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends checking for arsenic every five years.
Staying informed about community water advisories, potential flooding hazards and preparedness drills is the best way to preserve water resources and one’s health.
Remain Vigilant and Prepared
Threats to the water supply can arise at a moment’s notice, which is why people must remain prepared with safe access. Recognizing the signs, testing regularly and installing purification systems are crucial steps. The more proactive a person is, the better they can protect themselves and their loved ones from waterborne hazards.
Photo by Patrick Pahlke on Unsplash
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