The Environmental Working Group (EWG)
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a ngo that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
New EPA data shows 7 million more people exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in U.S. drinking water
New data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows an additional 7 million Americans have drinking water contaminated by the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. It brings the total number of people at risk of drinking this contaminated tap water to more than 172 million across the U.S. “The EPA’s latest report confirms what scientists have […]
Study: reducing multiple tap water contaminants may prevent over 50,000 cancer cases in the U.S.
Drinking water treatment that pursues a multi-contaminant approach, tackling several pollutants at once, could prevent more than 50,000 lifetime cancer cases in the U.S., finds a new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group. The finding challenges the merits of regulating one tap water contaminant at a time, the long-standing practice of states and the federal government. […]
Study finds PFAS in local water used to brew beer
When you open a cold beer, you’re probably thinking about flavor or hops – not whether you’re also sipping the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. But a new study finds that many beers, especially those from small craft breweries, are brewed with water containing PFAS. Scientists at RTI International tested 23 different beers from around the U.S. and […]
Trump administration moves to weaken landmark PFAS protections in drinking water
In a shocking reversal of one of the most significant public health victories in a generation, the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency is moving to roll back vital portions of the nation’s historic limits on the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in drinking water. These protections – finalized in April 2024 – were hailed as a long-overdue response […]
EWG report identifies animal waste as source of alarming chemical carcinogens in drinking water
EWG report finds unchecked animal waste is one source triggering alarming levels of chemical carcinogens in drinking water.
EWG Tap Water Database update shows hundreds of contaminants widespread in U.S. tap water
This year’s update to the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database shows millions of Americans are drinking water tainted with harmful chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive substances. Many of these contaminants are at levels far above what scientists consider safe. EWG’s latest analysis includes water quality data collected between 2021 and 2023 from nearly 50,000 water systems. It […]
Forever chemicals in sewage sludge may taint nearly 70 million farmland acres in U.S.
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 widespread use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. The practice remains largely unregulated, despite mounting evidence it could contaminate food and water, creating public health risks. […]
New EPA data show millions more exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
New data released by the Environmental Protection Agency shows more than 11 million additional people have the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in their drinking water. The findings come from tests of the nation’s drinking water supply conducted as part of the EPA’s Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, or UCMR 5, which requires water utilities across […]
State ‘forever chemicals’ spotlight: North Carolina’s drinking water contamination
Millions could finally get relief from PFAS as new EPA standards take effect.