For 63 years, water quality has been getting bad with contaminated water through tap water and causes a lot of health issues for people. Although there are 7 different types of water pollution, the most common water pollution is lead. Lead is a natural element that can be found in the Earth’s crust (learn more). By seeing the image on the bottom, we can see how easy access lead can be as it is the first layer of Earth’s layers.

186 million people who “drank water from water systems detecting lead levels exceeding the level of 1” (nrd,May 2023) would get lead poisoning. So 56% of the U.S. population who drinks water with any level of lead has the risk of experiencing lead poisoning. In an article from CDC “lead in drinking water”, it has stated that “The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures. Certain pipes that carry drinking water from the water source to the home may contain lead. Household plumbing fixtures, welding solder, and pipe fittings made prior to 1986 may also contain lead.”  Lead is traveling through pipelines that are connected to the tap water pipes (shown Below).

  In an article called “Department of Health'',  it states that “It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body.”  People’s mission is to be healthy and strong so hearing that you got lead poisoning, it would shock you. If you have symptoms of  Joint and muscle pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, or your child has weight loss, Hearing loss, Seizures, etc. please go to see a doctor as your health is very important.

Who is being affected?

In an article called “Lead in drinking water”, it states that “In some of America's oldest and largest urban areas, places like New York and Chicago, one in five census tracts… have very high risks of lead exposure…Lead is a toxic metal that is persistent in the environment and [the] risk will vary depending on the individual, the chemical conditions of the water, and the amount consumed.” Mostly low-income families are being affected as they are living in places that were built back in 1978. This year is important as during 1978, lead based paint was banned as it created high risk of lead exposure for both children and adults.