Water, Sanitation, Hygiene
According to the Centers for Disease Control, global access to safe water, adequate sanitation, and proper hygiene education can reduce illness and death from disease, leading to improved health, poverty reduction, and socio-economic development. However, many countries are challenged to provide these basic necessities to their populations, leaving people at risk for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related diseases. Resources available within this theme offer information on providing access to safe water and appropriate sanitation facilities, and introducing sound hygiene behaviors.
Water, Sanitation, Hygiene Resources
Water Quality Surveillance and Response
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July 13, 2021The EPA Water Security Division has developed a program that provides information, case studies and a framework utilities can use to develop a Water Quality Surveillance and Response System (SRS). An SRS can help improve a utility's ability to monitor source water and distribution system water...Read more
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United StatesWhat Can Communities Do About Lead in Drinking Water?
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July 13, 2021An estimated 6 million leaded service lines(link is external) deliver drinking water to households across the United States, and when these lines leach lead into drinking water, it poses a serious public health problem. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, states and cities are working to issue...Read more
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United StatesBalancing Multiple Goals at the Local Level: Water Quality, Water Equity, and Water Conservation
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July 13, 2021While there is a nationwide, overarching federal structure that pursues the goal of clean water, most efforts to provide clean water are seen at the local level. This paper looks at how local governments work to provide clean and safe water supplies while balancing the demands of fairness, justice...Read more
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United StatesEnvironmental justice and drinking water quality: are there socioeconomic disparities in nitrate levels in U.S. drinking water?
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July 13, 2021Low-income and minority communities often face disproportionately high pollutant exposures. The lead crisis in Flint, Michigan, has sparked concern about broader socioeconomic disparities in exposures to drinking water contaminants. Nitrate is commonly found in drinking water, especially in...Read more
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United StatesMaking the Invisible Visible: Results of a Community-Led Health Survey Following PFAS Contamination of Drinking Water in Merrimack, New Hampshire
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July 13, 2021In March 2016, citizens of Merrimack, New Hampshire, learned that their public water supply was contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). A subsequent state-led investigation revealed widespread contamination of both public and private well water with PFOA and several related chemicals,...Read more
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United StatesApplying a Cumulative Risk Framework to Drinking Water Assessment: A Commentary
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July 13, 2021The health risks of drinking water contaminants and the economic benefits of drinking water standards are typically assessed one chemical at a time, an approach that misses the health impacts of co-occurring contaminants in drinking water. In contrast, a cumulative risk framework has become common...Read more
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United StatesAlliance for Water Stewardship in California's Central Valley
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July 16, 2021Fertile soil, mild weather, and long growing season allow California to produce nearly half of the United States' vegetables, fruits and nuts, and approximately 80% of the world's almonds. The state's agriculture industry is an economic powerhouse, valued at $46.4 billion and...Read more
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United StatesDrinking Water and Source Water Research
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July 21, 2021This web page provides an overview of USGS's work in drinking water and source water research. It includes publications, data and tools, maps, and related USGS research. Reliable drinking water is vital for the health and safety of all Americans. The USGS works with drinking water facilities...Read more
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United StatesIndustrial Water Use
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July 21, 2021Industrial withdrawals provide water for such purposes as fabricating, processing, washing, diluting, cooling, or transporting a product; incorporating water into a product; or for sanitation needs within the manufacturing facility. Some industries that use large amounts of water produce such...Read more
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United StatesLivestock Water Use
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July 21, 2021Livestock water use is water associated with livestock watering, feedlots, dairy operations, and other on-farm needs. Livestock includes dairy cows and heifers, beef cattle and calves, sheep and lambs, goats, hogs and pigs, horses, and poultry. Other livestock water uses include cooling of...Read more
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United StatesDon't see what you're looking for? You can search USWP member sites, request a resource, or contact the USWP.