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Water Week: Access to clean drinking water

A sample of purified water flows after being processed at the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world's largest wastewater recycling plant, in the Orange County Water District in Fountain Valley, California.
A sample of purified water flows after being processed at the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS), the world's largest wastewater recycling plant, in the Orange County Water District in Fountain Valley, California.

Human beings start their days with water. A warm shower. Brushing teeth. Washing faces. The more than two million Americans who live without running water, however, aren’t afforded this luxury. 

Native American households are 19 times more likely to lack indoor plumbing than white households. And Blacks and Latinos are twice as likely according to the U.S Water Alliance and DigDeep.

And more than 25 million Americans don’t drink water that meets federal health standards according to a study conducted by The Guardian.

Some places are trying to address the problem. Earlier this year, Newark, New Jersey, finished replacing all 23,000 of its lead pipes.

We hear from one of the people behind that push. But westart the conversationin Navajo Nation where one in three homes don’t have running water.

As efforts to modernize and repair aging water systems continue, the role of specialized plumbing services cannot be overstated.

From replacing outdated pipes to ensuring new installations meet health standards, companies such as Fast Lane Plumbing are integral to these endeavors.

By investing in expert services FastLanePlumbing.ca, cities can address the disparities in access to running water and indoor plumbing. This proactive approach not only benefits individual households but also strengthens the overall resilience of communities.

Clean water is a fundamental right, and ensuring its availability through expert plumbing services is a crucial step toward equity and health for all.

Copyright 2024 WAMU 88.5

Haili Blassingame