America’s toxic tap water problem
America's toxic tap water problem - The Washington Post The Washington Post
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Fifty Years After the Safe Drinking Water Act: Challenges and Persisting Issues
The Safe Drinking Water Act, enacted fifty years ago, aimed to limit toxins in Americans’ water sources. However, despite its implementation, many individuals across the country still face challenges in accessing safe drinking water.
Arsenic Contamination in Sunland Park, New Mexico
For the past sixteen years, drinking water samples tested in Sunland Park, a small city in New Mexico, have consistently shown illegally high levels of arsenic. In 2016, the levels reached five times the legal limit.
Sunland Park is an example of a community that reflects certain characteristics prevalent in the United States, such as low-income areas and Latino communities. These communities are disproportionately exposed to arsenic in their drinking water, even when socioeconomic factors are taken into account.
Residents of Sunland Park have expressed increasing concerns in recent months, with some individuals initiating the process of filing a lawsuit.
Investigative Reporting by Silvia Foster-Frau
In a recent interview with investigative reporter Silvia Foster-Frau, she discusses her reporting from New Mexico and sheds light on the persisting issues related to toxic water in Sunland Park and other parts of the country.
Production Credits
Today’s episode of “Post Reports” was produced by Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Monica Campbell, with audio mixing by Sean Carter.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | Levels of arsenic in drinking water samples |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | Racial or ethnic disparities in exposure to arsenic in drinking water |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The issue highlighted in the article is the presence of high levels of arsenic in drinking water samples in Sunland Park, New Mexico. This directly connects to SDG 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article mentions that low-income areas and Latino communities are particularly exposed to arsenic in their drinking water at higher rates than any other racial or ethnic group. This highlights the issue of inequality in access to safe drinking water and connects to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
The article highlights that many people in the United States cannot safely drink from the tap due to high levels of arsenic in their drinking water. This indicates a lack of universal access to safe drinking water, which is the target of SDG 6.1.
Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
The article mentions that low-income areas and Latino communities are disproportionately exposed to arsenic in their drinking water. This indicates a need to address the social and economic inequalities that contribute to this disparity, aligning with the target of SDG 10.2.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article mentions the levels of arsenic in drinking water samples as an indicator of the issue. Specifically, it states that in Sunland Park, levels of arsenic reached five times the legal limit in 2016. This indicates a need to measure and monitor arsenic levels in drinking water to track progress towards achieving safe and affordable drinking water for all (SDG 6.1) and reducing inequalities in exposure to arsenic (SDG 10.2).
Overall, the article highlights the need to address the presence of high levels of arsenic in drinking water, particularly in low-income areas and Latino communities. This connects to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The specific targets identified are SDG 6.1 (universal and equitable access to safe drinking water) and SDG 10.2 (reducing inequalities in exposure to arsenic). The indicator mentioned in the article is the levels of arsenic in drinking water samples.
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Source: washingtonpost.com
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