Water contamination has become an increasingly alarming environmental problem across the United States threatening the health and safety of millions of Americans. The Flint Michigan water crisis in 2014 shocked the nation when lead contaminated drinking water poisoned over 100000 residents including thousands of children. However Flint is not an isolated case as approximately 2000 water systems across America have been found to contain lead levels exceeding federal safety limits.
PFAS forever chemicals have emerged as one of the most widespread water contamination threats in American history affecting drinking water supplies. Over 110 million Americans may be drinking water contaminated with PFAS chemicals that have been linked to cancer thyroid disease and immune system damage. Agricultural runoff containing pesticides fertilizers and animal waste contaminates rivers lakes and groundwater sources particularly in farming regions of the midwest. Industrial discharge from factories mining operations and chemical plants continues to pollute waterways despite regulations under the Clean Water Act.