M5.2 Blog about the public health importance of safe drinking-water



I believe that everyone should have the right and access to clean water and our laws should mandate and protect this fundamental right. Prior to the passage of the Clean Water Act of 1972 many of water sources were polluted to the point of rendering the water ecosystem lifeless. Many of our nation's waters were open to sewers, turned in dumpsites for chemicals from factories and farming. Clean Water Act of 1972 made concentrated efforts to improve the  nation's quality of water.
Everyone has the right to expect that our fundamental environmental laws will safeguard clean water, an essential ingredient for healthy communities. Rivers were so polluted 40 years ago that they were literally burning and waters were so degraded that they were virtually lifeless. It was clear to Americans and congress that our waters needed protection. With many of our nation’s waters then serving as open sewers, congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972. 
Our nation relies on clean water for basic survival — it’s essential for daily activities including drinking, cooking, bathing and recreational use. When that water is polluted, Americans are at risk of exposure to a number of harmful contaminants,” said APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD, in a press release “We are pleased that EPA has moved forward with this strong, evidence-based rule that will be vital to protecting the public from water pollution and keeping our nation healthy.”

 Reference:
http://www.publichealthnewswire.org/?p=13024

Comments

  1. snaymallickSeptember 27, 2018 at 10:28 AM

    I think clean water is absolutely important in order for basic survival needs. We need to be very cautious of what we drink because it is detrimental to our health. Not only is it important that policies are clear but also congress does need to protect our water. So I do agree with you Claudia that there can be so many harmful things in our water.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownOctober 11, 2018 at 10:19 AM

    Hi Claudia,

    I was recently reading Silent Spring and was on the chapter 4, which focuses on surface water and underground water. It was baffling to read that even water found in the most remote areas of the world, far from any perpetuated contamination, still carry some chemicals that are to this day released into our worldwide water sources. Considering the horrendous quality of water prior to the Clean Water Act and the natural water cycle, it's hard to accept, but clear to see how easy it is for contaminated waters and harmful chemicals to travel across these intricate systems of water above and below our world's surface. Considering this cycle, I'm thankful for the Clean Water Act, but I still think there is more to do in order to ensure safer water in the world.

    ReplyDelete

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