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Areas of Focus

Areas of Focus

Displaying 1 - 20 of 325

Harmful heavy metals: Why they’re in tap water and how to reduce your exposure

Heavy metals can be harmful even at low levels in tap water. Lead is a heavy metal contaminant in that it comes from pipes, not polluters. Filters like reverse osmosis can remove some heavy metals...

Do you need to test for toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in your home’s tap water?

Millions of Americans have the harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their tap water, according to federal and state data in EWG’s updated Tap Water Database . But some smaller water systems...

Fluoride in drinking water: What we know about its safety and risks

Fluoride – a natural constituent of teeth and bones – is added to public drinking water supplies throughout the U.S. for its purported dental health benefits. But this process, known as fluoridation...

Over 1M New Yorkers could lose protection from toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in tap water

Eliminating federal limits in drinking water on the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could end a vital safeguard against continued pollution for 1.3 million New Yorkers.

Tap water truths: Your questions, our answers

We know how important it is to feel confident about the water coming from your tap. That’s why EWG on social media asked you to share your top questions and concerns about drinking water quality.

How to test your well water for contaminants

If you rely on a private well for drinking water, testing it regularly is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family’s health. Unlike public water systems that have to meet...

Does TCE contaminate your tap water?

More than 17 million people in 41 U.S. states are exposed to the hazardous industrial chemical trichloroethylene, or TCE, in polluted drinking water.

What are disinfection byproducts?

Disinfection of drinking water is one of the greatest public health achievements in the last 100 years. Its use, starting in the early 1900s, helped tackle cholera, typhoid and other microbial...

What you need to know about TCE

Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a highly toxic compound that pollutes soil, water and air, putting millions at risk – especially pregnant people, children and those with weakened immune systems.

How contaminants in drinking water are regulated by the EPA and states

Everyone should have clean drinking water. But millions of Americans are exposed to harmful contaminants in their tap water.

Six hazardous contaminants in drinking water

U.S. tap water should be safe. However, millions of Americans may face a higher risk of developing illnesses because of levels of contaminants in our drinking water that still get a pass from federal...

What’s in Los Angeles’ drinking water?

EWG's Tap Water Database reveals key contaminants in Los Angeles tap water, including arsenic and nitrate. Learn about health risks and effective water filtration for Los Angeles residents.

What’s in New York City’s drinking water?

EWG's Tap Water Database reveals contaminants in New York City's drinking water, including disinfection byproducts and hexavalent chromium. Learn about health risks and water filtration options.

What’s in Chicago’s drinking water?

EWG's Tap Water Database reveals contaminants in Chicago's drinking water, including nitrate, hexavalent chromium, lead, and radium. Learn about health risks and find the best water filter for your...

What’s in Dallas’ drinking water?

EWG's Tap Water Database reveals 17 contaminants exceeding EWG health guidelines in Dallas drinking water. Learn about key contaminants like PFAS, nitrate and lead, and find solutions for water...

What’s in Washington D.C.’s drinking water?

Over 600,000 people are served drinking water by Washington D.C. Water and Sewer Authority , or D.C. Water, making it one of the largest water utilities in the U.S. With the release of the 2025 update...

‘Forever chemicals’ in sludge may taint nearly 70 million farmland acres

Nearly 70 million acres of U.S. farmland could be contaminated by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to estimates from biosolids industry groups. This contamination stems from the...

EPA must limit discharges of ‘forever chemicals’ to protect public health

Environmentalists are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and water resources by quickly proposing a rule that would limit manufacturing discharges of the toxic “...

Rain from Hurricane Helene deluged Western North Carolina barns housing 21.6M poultry

Precipitation from Hurricane Helene inundated 1,021 poultry barns in Western North Carolina that house almost 21.6 million birds, new Environmental Working Group research shows. The torrent increases...

Explainer: Are ‘forever chemicals’ in my drinking water?

With the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS regularly grabbing headlines these days, you may be wondering what these chemicals mean for you. After all, these chemicals, found in a vast array of...
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