Truthout
Drinking Water
![Although lead was banned from new water service lines in 1986, it’s estimated that more than 9 million such lines still carry drinking water to homes and businesses throughout the country.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1884837645-400x300.jpg)
The 2024 Presidential Election May Slow Plans to Replace Lead Pipes
Debate over the EPA’s latest plan to minimize the risk of drinking lead-contaminated water is reaching a tipping point.
![A glass of water splashes in front of purple-lit backdrop](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/06/2024_0606-water-400x300.jpg)
Scientists Discover Way to Destroy Harmful “Forever Chemicals” in Water Supply
New technology could help water utilities remove stubborn PFAS chemicals linked to cancer and other maladies.
![People stand over bottles of water as demonstrators protest against the Detroit Water and Sewer Department July 18, 2014, in Detroit, Michigan.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/06/2024_0606_water-400x300.jpg)
Despite Governor’s Tough Talk, Michigan Bottlers Still Extract Water for Free
Bottlers have avoided additional fees for removing groundwater, even though Gretchen Whitmer promoted the idea.
![A boy and a girl step out of the Lempa River in El Salvador. The Lempa is the country’s largest river.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/05/LempaRiver_Kids4_LoveThis-400x300.jpg)
US-Backed Canadian Mine in Guatemala Threatens Water Supply for Millions
Activists vow to fight the Cerro Blanco mine, which threatens a water supply for millions in Guatemala and El Salvador.
![Kane Watkins, 9, sits on the edge of his porch playing with toys as crews work to inspect his homes water line as part of the lead line replacement program on August 12, 2021, in Flint, Michigan.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-1238903035-400x300.jpg)
10 Years Later, Flint Residents Are Still Waiting for Lead Pipes to Be Replaced
Biden pledged to replace all of the US’s lead pipes, but he’d need billions of dollars more from Congress to do it.
![Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are seen being installed at a new home in Los Angeles, California.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/12/2023_1215-pvc-400x300.jpg)
EPA Lauded for Opening Review Process of Vinyl Chloride, a Known Carcinogen
The chemical is linked to higher rates of lung and liver cancer, liver disease, neurological problems and miscarriage.
![A person collects water from a drinking fountain in small specimen containers](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/09/2023_0911-water-fountain-400x300.jpg)
Exposure to Contaminated Drinking Water Is Undercounted by EPA, New Study Finds
Regulators aren’t adequately accounting for how extensively vulnerable communities are exposed to contaminated water.
![Rep. Greg Casar speaks during a Vigil and Thirst Strike for Workers' Rights on the House steps of the U.S. Capitol on July 25, 2023.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/07/2023_0728-thirst-strike-400x300.jpg)
Texas Activists Hold a “Thirst Strike” Demanding Heat Protections for Workers
They are calling for federal standards for rest and water breaks to prevent occupational heat illness and death.
![Department of Water and Power workmen use a backhoe to dig through the pavement to isolate a 12-inch water main that ruptured on Fairfax Avenue at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard in the Miracle Mile area in Los Angeles, California, in September, 2009.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/07/2023_0714-water-400x300.jpg)
House Republicans Propose Cutting Federal Funds for Clean Water Programs by 64%
“[The] proposal threatens the very safety of our country's water and wastewater systems,” said Food & Water Watch.
![snake-like tubes of absorbent mesh are strewn across a polluted creek](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/07/2023_0711-pfas-booms-400x300.jpg)
Toxic PFAS Are in Our Drinking Water. Here’s How to Limit Your Exposure.
As regulators race to address PFAS in water, consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure to forever chemicals now.