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U.S. drinking water challenges in the twenty-first century
Ronnie B Levin1, Paul R Epstein, Tim E Ford
1Water and Health Program, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. rblevin@hsph.harvard.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|February 9, 2002
Summary
Access to safe drinking water improved in the U.S. by the 20th century, but future challenges loom. Emerging threats to public water supplies require institutional changes for long-term water security.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- The 20th century saw significant improvements in U.S. drinking water access.
- Despite being water-abundant, current trends threaten future water resource sustainability.
- Regional disparities in water availability and quality are a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine key factors impacting U.S. public drinking water supplies.
- To identify potential challenges for the next century.
- To explore the need for institutional adaptation in water management.
Main Methods:
- Review of public water infrastructure status.
- Analysis of global climate change effects on water resources.
- Assessment of waterborne disease trends, including novel pathogens.
- Examination of land use, groundwater, and surface water dynamics.
- Evaluation of historical and future U.S. water regulatory frameworks.
Main Results:
- Interconnected issues across public and private sectors pose complex challenges.
- Climate change, land use, and emerging diseases are significant threats.
- Existing infrastructure and regulatory systems may be insufficient for future demands.
Conclusions:
- U.S. public drinking water supplies face multifaceted challenges in the coming century.
- Addressing these challenges necessitates innovative solutions and institutional reforms.
- Proactive adaptation and policy changes are crucial for ensuring future water security.