# Groundwater: A Precious Resource Needing Stronger Protections
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Groundwater
Groundwater is an invaluable resource, often referred to as "liquid gold." A report titled Tainted Tap, published in October 2020, highlights the widespread pollution of groundwater across the United States, particularly due to nitrate contamination. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which are large-scale livestock facilities, produce significant amounts of waste that typically go untreated. Rather than being processed through sewage systems, this waste is often spread over agricultural fields, leading to dire consequences.
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Section 1.1: Groundwater Dependency
According to the National Groundwater Association, approximately 38% of the U.S. population depends on groundwater for drinking water, with around 42 million individuals relying primarily on private wells. This reliance underscores the critical need for effective protections against contamination.
Subsection 1.1.1: Health Risks Associated with Nitrate Pollution
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that nitrate pollution in drinking water may contribute to approximately 12,600 cancer cases annually in the U.S. The majority of these cases are colorectal cancers, though ovarian, thyroid, kidney, and bladder cancers are also implicated. Despite the Safe Drinking Water Act imposing a limit of 10 mg/L of nitrates in drinking water, this standard has not been updated in nearly six decades.
Growing evidence suggests that the current limit may be inadequate. For instance, a study focused on postmenopausal women in Iowa revealed that those consuming water with nitrate levels above 2.98 mg/L had a 2.03 times higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those with lower nitrate exposure. Additionally, a 2010 study of pregnant women in rural Minnesota found elevated methemoglobin levels at 36 weeks of gestation in those with tap water nitrate levels between 3 to 10 mg/L, compared to those with lower levels. Methemoglobin can form from nitrates in an infant's gut, hindering the blood's oxygen transport capability.
Section 1.2: Economic Impact of Nitrate Treatment
EWG scientists, after analyzing eight studies on nitrates and colorectal cancer, determined that a safer "acceptable risk" level would be just 0.14 mg/L, significantly lower than the EPA’s limit of 10 mg/L. The financial burden of treating nitrate-contaminated water is substantial. For instance, over six years, a utility in Des Moines, IA, spent an average of more than $500,000 annually on operations and maintenance. In 2015, costs soared to $1.4 million due to high nitrate levels and numerous days exceeding the EPA's safe threshold.
Chapter 2: The Broader Environmental Impact
The video titled "The Water Crisis | National Geographic" provides an in-depth look at the global issues surrounding water quality and availability. It underscores the interconnectedness of water resources and the pressing need for sustainable management practices.
Nitrate runoff not only affects drinking water but also leads to ecological problems, such as harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels in water bodies, posing threats to fish and other aquatic organisms. These blooms can also adversely affect human and animal health. The disruption of aquatic ecosystems raises alarms about the potential for significant ecological collapse.
The most effective strategy to counteract the adverse effects of nitrate pollution, whether through toxic algal blooms or heightened cancer risks for those reliant on groundwater, is to take proactive measures to protect groundwater resources. Ensuring the safety and sustainability of this vital resource is imperative for the health of both people and the environment.