What Caused The Atlanta Water Contamination?

Did you know that the City of Atlanta provides approximately 98 million gallons of treated drinking water to more than 1.2 million residents in the Atlanta metropolitan area? That’s a lot of water! And it’s important to make sure that this water is clean and safe for everyone to drink. 

That’s why Hydroviv is dedicated to building custom water filters that are optimized for the specific water quality in Atlanta. We aggregate water quality test data from the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 

Environmental Working Group, and the US Geological Survey. 

Our Water Nerds then cross reference these data with toxicity studies in the scientific and medical literature. This helps us to build filters that are specifically designed to remove any harmful contaminants from Atlanta’s water supply. 

What Are Concerns in Atlanta’s Drinking Water?

In 2014, the city of Atlanta made headlines when it was revealed that the city’s drinking water contained high levels of lead. The source of the contamination was traced to the city’s aging water infrastructure, which is in desperate need of repair. In the years since, Atlanta has made significant progress in addressing this problem, but the city’s water quality remains an ongoing concern.

In recent years, there have been several troubling incidents involving Atlanta’s drinking water. In 2016, for example, residents of an Atlanta neighborhood were shocked to learn that their tap water contained high levels of fecal bacteria. The source of the contamination was traced to a broken sewer line that had been leaking into a nearby creek. Thankfully, no one was sickened by the contaminated water, but the incident highlights the potential risks posed by the city’s aging infrastructure.

While Atlanta’s water quality has improved in recent years, there is still room for improvement. The city’s water treatment plants are not equipped to remove all of the contaminants from the city’s water supply, and as a result, many residents are still relying on bottled water for their drinking needs. In addition, the city’s aging infrastructure continues to pose a risk to the city’s water quality. With these concerns in mind, it is clear that Atlanta still has a long way to go in ensuring its residents have access to safe and clean drinking water.

Lead Levels in Atlanta’s Drinking Water

Image result for lead levels in Atlanta’s drinking water. According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the level of lead in Atlanta’s drinking water is higher than the national average. In fact, it is one of the highest levels of lead found in any major city in the United States. 

The EPA’s report states that the level of lead in Atlanta’s water is 12 parts per billion (ppb). This is significantly higher than the EPA’s recommended level of 15 ppb. The high level of lead in Atlanta’s drinking water is a cause for concern because lead can be damaging to the health of both children and adults. Exposure to lead can cause learning and behavior problems, as well as health problems such as high blood pressure and kidney damage. Thankfully, there are steps that people can take to protect themselves from exposure to lead. 

For example, people can use water filters that are designed to remove lead from water. Additionally, people can choose to drink bottled water instead of tap water. By taking these precautions, people can help to protect themselves from the harmful effects of lead exposure.

PFAS in Atlanta’s Drinking Water

PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of industries for over 50 years. In recent years, however, there has been increasing concern about the health effects of PFAS exposure. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a variety of health problems, including immune system dysfunction, thyroid disease, cancer, and fertility issues.

In 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a report indicating that PFAS were present in the drinking water of several cities across the country, including Atlanta. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level for two types of PFAS (PFOA and PFOS) in drinking water, but these levels are not enforceable. As a result, many people are concerned about the safety of their drinking water.

There are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to PFAS. First, you can filter your water using a reverse osmosis filter or an activated carbon filter. You can also avoid using products that contain PFAS, such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics. Finally, you can contact your local representatives and let them know that you are concerned about PFAS in your drinking water. Together, we can make sure that our drinking water is safe and clean.

Chromium 6 Levels in Atlanta Drinking Water

In recent years, there has been increasing concern about the presence of chromium 6 in drinking water. Chromium 6 is a carcinogenic compound that can be found in industrial waste and certain types of rocks and minerals. Although the Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum contaminant level for chromium 6 in drinking water, this level is not enforceable, and many utilities have failed to meet it. 

In Atlanta, chromium 6 levels in drinking water have been consistently above the EPA’s safety limit. In fact, a recent study found that chromium 6 levels in Atlanta’s drinking water are some of the highest in the country. 

While there is no need to panic, it is important to be informed about the potential risks of exposure to chromium 6. There are a few simple steps that you can take to reduce your risk, such as using a water filter or avoiding tap water when possible. By taking these precautions, you can help to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of chromium 6.