by michael vivar
The relatively small city of Grand Prairie, Texas was trending in the news this past week as the safety of its drinking water was brought under scrutiny.
The detection of fire suppressant foam adulterating the city’s water supply necessitated a warning that tap water was not safe for consumption.
Businesses and schools needed to be closed for days. Residents were warned not to drink or bathe with the tap water in their homes as bottled water was provided.
Fortunately, the warning was lifted, along with a directive instructing residents how to flush their water taps.
Fill in some text
Unfortunately, the Grand Prairie contamination isn’t an isolated incident in US water security.
Flint, Michigan and surrounding communities have widely-reported issues of lead leaching into drinking water from old, corroding pipes.
Water is being siphoned from the lands of Native Americans throughout the United States Southwest to sustain lush municipalities.
Throughout western states, water mismanagement has led to drought and wildfires.
Recent decisions from the US Supreme Court including overturing the Chevron decision will put US water security further at risk.
Preventing another Grand Prairie, Texas water incident and other water security emergencies is possible with a more conscious approach.