Delaware advocate for clean water remembered as PFAS regulations are implemented

Delaware advocate for clean water remembered as PFAS regulations are implemented  WHYY

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May 2, 2024 - 15:30
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Delaware advocate for clean water remembered as PFAS regulations are implemented

Delaware advocate for clean water remembered as PFAS regulations are implemented

Improving Access to Clean Drinking Water: A Story of Dedication and Advocacy

Introduction

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Personal Connection and Commitment

Vikki Prettyman, former administrator for the town of Blades, Del., had a personal connection to the issue of clean drinking water. In 2018, residents of Blades were informed that their drinking water was contaminated with PFAS, toxic “forever chemicals.” Prettyman dedicated herself to helping the town overcome this water crisis, realizing the importance of safe drinking water.

Challenges Faced by Small Towns

Prettyman recognized that small towns often lack the resources needed to improve drinking water quality. In many cases, contaminated drinking water in these towns is ignored. As an employee of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP), Prettyman worked to eliminate contaminants from drinking water in rural areas. She believed that small towns are the core of everything and advocated for their needs.

Health Impacts and the Need for Regulation

In 2021, Prettyman was diagnosed with kidney failure, suspecting that drinking PFAS-contaminated water in Blades had caused her health problems. Tragically, she passed away in 2023 while waiting for a kidney transplant. Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the first federal regulations for PFAS in public drinking water. These regulations aim to prevent illnesses linked to PFAS exposure, including cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, developmental delays among children, and poor kidney function.

Improving Health Outcomes

PFAS are found in everyday products and can have long-lasting effects on human health. While almost half of drinking water in the U.S. contains PFAS, the extent of health problems caused by these chemicals is still unclear. It is important for individuals to take PFAS contamination seriously and regularly monitor their health conditions. The EPA is likely to make its regulations more strict as additional research becomes available.

A Passion to Serve

Prettyman’s friend and colleague, Jean Holloway, believes that Prettyman would have applauded the new regulations but would also emphasize the need for sufficient resources to address contamination in small towns. While some towns receive support through programs like the EPA’s National Priorities List, most municipalities lack the necessary financial resources to implement filtration systems that remove PFAS. Additional financial support is needed to meet the new regulations and assist small communities.

Conclusion

Vikki Prettyman’s dedication and passion for serving others will be remembered. She advocated for clean water funding and legislation, as well as helping those who are homeless. Prettyman’s son, Jake Prettyman, wants his mother to be remembered as a light in the world who always worked for the betterment of people’s lives.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:

    • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
    • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  2. Specific targets under those SDGs identified based on the article’s content:

    • SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
    • SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

  3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

    • Monitoring and treatment of water to reduce PFAS levels to almost zero over five years.
    • Informing customers if PFAS levels exceed the EPA’s limits.
    • Conducting medical screenings for health conditions related to PFAS exposure.
    • Evaluating health risks among people exposed to high levels of PFAS through CDC studies.
    • Increasing financial support to meet new regulations and address contamination.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
  • Monitoring and treatment of water to reduce PFAS levels to almost zero over five years.
  • Informing customers if PFAS levels exceed the EPA’s limits.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
  • Conducting medical screenings for health conditions related to PFAS exposure.
  • Evaluating health risks among people exposed to high levels of PFAS through CDC studies.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: whyy.org

 

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