How Safe is California’s Tap Water?

The tap water in Southern and Central California’s urban areas are among the U.S. regions most exposed to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” according to a recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey. Almost half the tap water in the United States contains one or more PFAS, high levels of which are linked to health issues like infertility and cancer, the study found. It’s raising questions about water quality in a state where more than 1 million people already lack access to safe water, especially in low-income, disadvantaged communities. Still, “drinking water across California is largely safe,” according to the Pacific Institute. We’ll look at the state of tap water in California and talk with experts about how to make sure your drinking water is safe.

Related link(s):

EWG’s Tap Water Database: Look up your local water system to find out which pollutants might be of concern, and find suggestions on the best kinds of home filters to remove those chemicals

EWG’s Water Filter Guide

Guests:

Susana De Anda, co-founder and executive director, Community Water Center - a nonprofit environmental justice organization based in California’s San Joaquin Valley

E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair, California State Water Resources Control Board

Gregory Pierce, director, Human Right to Water Solutions Lab - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Tasha Stoiber, senior scientist, Environmental Working Group

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices