Water Contaminants
Water Contaminants
How to Ensure Drinking Water Safety After a Hurricane?
August ended with a massive hurricane in Keaton Beach, Florida. Idalia - the hurricane - started as a Category 3 hurricane but later advanced to a Category 4 hurricane for a short while. Like most hurricanes, Idalia came with significant flooding, damaging all the powerlines in its path. People living in Horseshoe Beach, just 30 miles south of landfall, were thrown into darkness due to the destructive effects of the Idalia.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
September 14, 2023
Water Contaminants
Japan Releasing Radioactive Wastewater into the Pacific: What Are the Concerns?
Early in 2021, Japan announced it would release more than 1m tons of contaminated water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. On August 24, 2023, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the long-standing discharge plan, Japan has commenced the release of treated radioactive water from the severely affected Fukushima nuclear power plant.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
August 24, 2023
Water Contaminants
PFAS Exposed: Safeguarding Your Health with Purified Water
PFAS have been continuously reported to contaminate water sources across the country. Also referred to as “forever chemicals,” these chemicals are found in our everyday items like nonstick pans, food packaging, and even waterproof jackets. The Center for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) has also reported that these chemicals are found in the bodies of 97% of the American population.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
July 27, 2023
Water Contaminants
How to Get Rid of PFAS Chemicals in Water
Recently, the chemical and manufacturing corporation, 3M, has reached a significant settlement of $10.3 billion with various cities and towns in the United States. The settlement is in response to claims made by these municipalities that 3M contaminated their drinking water with so-called forever chemicals known as PFAS. These harmful substances are commonly used in a wide range of products, including firefighting foam and nonstick coatings.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
July 04, 2023
Water Contaminants
What Is TDS and How to Measure It?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids and represents the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. TDS is the term used to describe the inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter present in solution in water. The primary components of TDS are usually calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium cations and carbonate, hydrogencarbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate anions.
TDS in water supplies can originate from natural sources, sewage, urban and agricultural run-off, and industrial wastewater. The salts used for road de-icing in wintertime can also contribute to the TDS loading of water supplies.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
May 23, 2023
Water Contaminants
What To Do During Toxic Chemical Spills
About 8,1000 gallons of latex-based solution ended up in the Delaware River on March 24. The Delaware River is a few miles upstream of an important water intake serving Philadelphia’s Baxter Water Treatment Plant.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
March 31, 2023
Water Contaminants
Brain-Eating Amoeba in Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Florida was in the news earlier this month when a man died from a brain-eating amoeba infection in Charlotte County. According to the news release by the state Health Department in Charlotte County, the infection most likely resulted from “sinus rinse practices utilizing tap water.” The release further stated that the infection, caused by Naegleria fowleri, the brain-eating amoeba, “can only happen when water contaminated with amoebae enters the body through the nose.”
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
March 16, 2023
Water Contaminants
Toxic Chemicals Connected to Ohio Train Derailment Leave Health Concerns
There was a freight train derailment and explosion in East Palestine, Ohio, United States, on February 3, 2023. The train, carrying hazardous chemicals, including vinyl chloride, was reported to have derailed before causing a fire that lasted for several days and was eventually managed into a controlled burn on February 6.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
February 13, 2023
Water Contaminants
How to Remove Microplastics from Drinking Water?
The majority of people use plastic on a regular basis. However, this substance is usually not biodegradable. It breaks down over time into tiny fragments known as microplastics, which are potentially harmful to the environment. They are found everywhere, including in the human food chain, and drinking water is most likely a significant source of exposure for people.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
November 11, 2022
Water Contaminants
Lead in Drinking Water in the U.S.: Facts You Should Know
Humans cannot survive without water. For a long time, lead-contaminated water has been known to impact human health adversely. Unfortunately, this contaminant is a leading cause of the water crisis in the United States.
Before supplying water to households, water utilities test drinking water for lead. And if the lead level exceeds 15 parts per billion (ppb) in over 10% of homes with the supplied water, necessary action is taken to reduce the presence of the contaminant.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
August 12, 2022
Water Contaminants
Bacterium That Can Cause Fatal Illness Found in the U.S. for the First Time
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a type of bacterium that can cause deadly disease has been found in contaminated soil and water in the United States for the very first time.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
July 28, 2022
Water Contaminants
How Do You Remove Nitrates from Water?
We need safe and clean water to stay healthy and fit. But there is a barrier to meeting this need, and this is the presence of contaminants in the water in our households. Whether it is drinking water or water used for other domestic and agricultural purposes, chances are contaminants like nitrate will be present.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
May 12, 2022
Water Contaminants
What Is Groundwater Contamination and How Do You Remediate It?
Over 50% of the United States population depends on groundwater for drinking water. Groundwater is also one of our most important sources of water for irrigation. In other parts of the world, such as countries in Africa and Asia, groundwater provides drinking water for an even greater percentage of people. Unfortunately, groundwater is susceptible to pollutants.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
April 07, 2022
Water Contaminants
What Is Deionized Water
Experts say water is essential to life, coming second to oxygen. Because all body cells use water, surviving more than a few days without water is impossible. Water carries oxygen and wastes to and from several organs while traveling through the human body.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
March 22, 2022
Water Contaminants
What is Ozone Water Treatment
The safety of drinking water has received more attention than ever, water purification, therefore, has become an important factor for people to improve their quality of life. In the water purification industry, there are also places where ozone plays a role.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
January 28, 2022
Water Contaminants
How To Remove Iron from Water
There are several heavy metal elements in water. These elements can be useful to the human body if present in the right amounts. However, if they exceed these amounts, they become harmful. One of these two-sided elements is iron.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
January 25, 2022
Water Contaminants
How to Remove Copper from Water
As a metal element that exists widely in nature, copper is also one of the earliest metals used by human beings. The applications of copper can be seen in many places.
Our bodies also need trace copper elements to maintain good health, but too much copper can be harmful to the human body.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
January 25, 2022
Water Contaminants
A Detailed Look At The Wisconsin Water Infrastructure
If the data from the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau is anything to go by, then Wisconsin is in line to be a beneficiary of US$347 million as clean water funding, and a separate US$522 million as safe drinking water revolving loans. All of these are expected to happen within the next five years.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
January 20, 2022
Water Contaminants
How to Remove Viruses from Drinking Water
Water is one thing that we drink every day, but have you ever thought that the water we drink may affect our health?
Transmission of pathogens occurs in many ways, and they are not limited to direct human-to-human transmission. Pathogens, including viruses, are capable of transmission through environmental pathways. The common carriers include air, inert surfaces, or liquid media. Most viruses associated with liquid transmission are transmitted through water.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
January 20, 2022
Water Contaminants
The Tonga Volcanic Eruption Sending Powerful Tsunami Waves Across The Pacific
On Saturday an underwater volcano erupted violently, causing tsunamis, in the south pacific. The powerful tsunamis hit Hawaii, Japan, and Tongatapu, Tonga’s largest island, sending flood waves into the capital.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
January 19, 2022
Water Contaminants
What Is Brackish Water and How Do You Treat It?
We drink water every day, but have you ever noticed that the water we drink sometimes tastes different. Some water tastes sweet, but some water tastes astringent and even difficult to swallow. The quality of water can affect the water taste, therefore, hinders the overall intake of water.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
January 10, 2022
Water Contaminants
Safe Drinking Water in Hurricane Season
This past hurricane season of 2021 ended up being within the three most active seasons on record. With that being said, it fell in line with a 30 year average of occurrences within the Atlantic. It produced 21 storms, alongside 7 hurricanes, with nearly half of said hurricanes reaching category 3 or more according to the Saffir-Simpson scale. From extensive clean-up efforts to major infrastructural damage, hurricanes and tropical storms leave a wake of destruction in their path. When damage does occur, municipal water facilities are prone to the rather harsh effects of storms.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
December 30, 2021
Water Contaminants
Why Does My Water Smell of Sulfur?
In order to ensure optimal health, our bodies need water to function well through consumption of sufficient amounts of water. It is recommended for men to drink 15 ½ cups of water on average per day, whereas women should drink 11 ½ cups. This enables your organs to operate well, in the removal of toxins, and more. However, for most people, tap water isn’t enough to replace lost electrolytes and keep your body hydrated. Let’s explore what aspects would make tap water unfavorable for consumption, and how it may be improved.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
December 21, 2021
Water Contaminants
Flint Water Crisis: Everything You Need to Know
Michigan is a state that is heavily dependent on the auto industry. The great recession of the automobile industry at the end of the last century still dimmed the lights of the Greater Detroit area, and the 2008 financial crisis was another strike to the state. City Flint is also inevitable.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
December 13, 2021
Water Contaminants
How to Reduce PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water
The Wolf Administration was able to receive preliminary approval of a proposed drinking water regulation that would set limits for two highly toxic chemicals. The Environmental Quality Board approved the rule at 14 parts per trillion, and 18 ppm respectively in submissions from state agencies over this summer.
The state Department of Environmental Protection has found that one third of the 400+ sites tested across Pennsylvania are contaminated with a harmful chemical. The federal government ordered public water systems in 2013 to conduct these screenings, and more than 100 communities have been tested so far for this substance. Both chemicals belong to the group of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, and which are used in products like nonstick cookware, carpets, firefighting foam and fast-food wrappers.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
November 23, 2021
Water Contaminants
Is Newark Winning The War of Drinking Water Lead Reduction?
Struggling to improve water quality continues long after a water crisis has taken place. As history tells us, even Flint, Michigan has struggled since their own water supply was threatened back in 2014. Then, in 2019, Newark, NJ made headlines of their own, with a lead water crisis that effected 1/5 of its entire citizenship. As their residents began grow concerned, fearing Flint, Michigan was on repeat, Newark official went to work creating a plan. In fact, the folks in Newark quickly began replacing their aging lead piping with copper pipes to put an end to lead exposure.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
November 14, 2021
Water Contaminants
Is My Drinking Water Safe to Drink after Water Main Break in Charlotte
Into the third week of October, the area of Charlotte, NC experienced what has been touted as a historical main water break. As a result, widespread outages ensued throughout the state’s capitol, affecting services within a 16 zip code area. While services have been restored since, residents are concerned in regard to taking precautions, in addition to corporate customers. Check the latest news here.
Since then, a second main water break occurred. Unfortunately, once an event of this magnitude takes place, it’s often difficult to maintain consumer confidence, especially in regard to water quality. If you are one of the consumers currently worried about the safety of your tap water, read on to understand whether or not you could be affected well after the break.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
November 05, 2021
Water Contaminants
What You Should Know about Fluoride in Drinking Water
Water is crucial to survival. We cannot attain optimal health without clean and healthy water. However, the water we have found ourselves drinking and using nowadays contains several harmful chemicals. One of these dangerous chemicals is fluoride, usually found in large amounts in municipal tap water. Surprising, isn’t it? Contrary to expectations, the government’s tap water to our homes is treated with fluoride because it allegedly improves our dental health. But this is far from the truth.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
September 13, 2021
Water Contaminants
Protect Children from Lead Exposure in Drinking Water
Although Flint, Mich, and Newark, N.J, have excessively high levels of lead-contaminated drinking water, the situation is not unique. Generally, millions of Americans may be drinking lead-contaminated water unknowingly because of old lead pipes, faucets, or other plumbing fixtures that have a high lead concentration. Lead has devastating effects, especially in children, causing effects that can last a lifetime.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
September 09, 2021
Water Contaminants
Enjoy Clean Drinking Water During Power Outage
The importance of electricity in our lives cannot be overemphasized. It is one resource that finds multiple vital applications in our everyday life, including cooling, heating, lighting, refrigeration, and running all electrical appliances. Over 3.8 trillion kWh of electricity was used in the United States only in 2020 – 13x more than the consumption rates of the 1950s.
You will agree that life without electricity will never be the same. But the truth is the more we cannot do without electricity, the more vulnerable we are to problems that come with blackouts, including water scarcity.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
September 06, 2021
Water Contaminants
How Global Warming Is A Threat to Water Resources
Although half the year has gone by in 2021, it is still unbelievable for most people. The events around the world are so surreal, and it looks like the doomsday movie is happening in the real world. From the volcanic eruptions in the Philippines to influenza B in the United States and blizzards in Canada, it all looked like the earth unleashed its hell mode. Other situations like rare storms in Brazil, fire disasters in Australia, and coronavirus worldwide were also happening concurrently.
Initially, the disasters didn't attract much attention. It all started as a wildfire, then a drought, and the extinction of a species. Although most people were concerned about the disappearance of a city, the events around the world wasn't a major concern till it was relevant to everyone.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
August 19, 2021
Water Contaminants
Avoiding The Harmful Effects of Water Contaminated with Heavy Metals
Our water supply plays a significant role on our personal health, the environment, climate change, and much more. Statistically speaking, by 2025 over half of the world will be residing in regions facing stressful water supplies. This will be particularly true for countries with predominantly low to middle income households. The risks posed to regions such as this only serve to further highlight the importance of determining the amount of heavy metals in surrounding water sources, if only to decrease the dangers posed to human health. The Agency for Research on Cancer (or IARC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA), believe the exposure to arsenic and heavy metals are both serious concerns when it comes to drinking water sources.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
August 12, 2021
Water Contaminants
How Does Drinking Water Become Contaminated?
In the United States, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates drinking water among public water systems through the Safe Drinking Water Act. The act sets a maximum concentration level for water chemicals and pollutants that we come into contact with. Contaminants are physical, chemical, biological, or radiological substances or matter in water. Anything other than water molecules may be considered a contaminant.
Contaminants can be naturally occurring, caused by human activity, or both. Drinking water requires treatment that removes dangerous contaminants. If consumed, some drinking water contaminants can lead to health effects, such as gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated drinking water causes roughly 485,000 diarrhoeal deaths each year.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
August 11, 2021
Water Contaminants
Protecting Your Water During Natural Disasters Seasons
The United States is vulnerable to almost all natural disasters, from storms to wildfires and others. Over the last five years, loss from natural disasters has risen to over $600 billion. The average record is over 60,000 deaths across the world. And with the increasing global climate change, the United States is even at a higher risk of more disasters.
Considering all of these factors, it is important to know how to stay protected in the face of these disasters. It may take several years to recover from a disaster that lasted for a few minutes. From major infrastructural damages to extensive clean-up works, there is always a lot to do.
Interestingly, municipal water is highly prone to the effects of almost all forms of natural disasters.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
August 09, 2021
Water Contaminants
The Importance of Cleaning Your Swimming Pool
Recent heavy rainfall has led to a situation in Tokyo Bay concerning sewage leakage and runoff. With the Olympics in Tokyo well underway, there were rising concerns over the pool's putrid smell, in addition to various health concerns. Residents were already having to live with the issue of sewage runoff, however, Olympians were facing the possibly of swimming in water conditions contaminated with E. Coli.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
July 29, 2021
Water Contaminants
Saving Your Water From The Increasing Levels Of E. coli In Tokyo Bay
It’s the month of the Olympics! The Tokyo 2020 Olympics is finally happening in 2021. The city of Tokyo is welcoming people from all over the world to enjoy the games. Despite the call to cancel the games, the WHO and the organizers decided to hold the games, but with strict health measures in place to protect everyone.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
July 28, 2021
Water Contaminants
What is the Best Way to Remove Chloramine from Water?
The majority of the tap water supply in America has been treated by chloramine or chlorine. Just like chlorine, chloramine is a type of disinfectant added in water supply to improve drinking water quality and remove the harmful components. Chloramine is used to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoan by breaking down their cell walls. This prevents them from causing diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis, and typhoid. Since bacteria, viruses, and protozoa are too small for filters, there's no physical or chemical-free method of handling these tiny contaminants.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
May 06, 2021
Water Contaminants
Is Well Water Safe to Drink?
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) reveals that, although most households of the U.S. population depend on a municipal water system for water, about 15% of them still drink water from a private well. EPA is responsible for monitoring and regulating municipal water supplies that is normally disinfected with chlorine at a local water treatment facility. On the other hand, the property owners are responsible for the monitoring, testing, and treating their private well and the water it provides.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
April 21, 2021
Water Contaminants
Japan’s Plan to Dump Fukushima waste water into the Pacific Raises Safety Concern
Recently, Japan has announced it will release more than 1m tons of contaminated water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. The announcement triggered a warm discussion among neighboring countries, including China and South Korea.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
April 16, 2021
Water Contaminants
Can Home Water Treatment Deal with Lead Contaminated Water
The Flint water crisis started in 2014 that exposed the citizen's health with tap water contaminated by brain-damaging lead did shock the public.
And it is just in the very recent, an analysis conducted by the Chicago Tribune also found that homes in Illinois had the lead levels in tap water as extreme as Flint during the past six years, consisting of hundreds and even thousands of parts per billion.
It is believed that more communities in the United States are exposed to lead. What’s the reason for that?
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
April 11, 2021
Water Contaminants
How to Deal with the Bad Smells in Water After Huston Boil Advisory Lifted?
Reports of bad smells in water across the Huston area to the local water agency increased after the boil advisory was lifted on Feb, 20th.
Huston citizens turned to social media complaining about the bad smell in the water, which some people suggest the water smells like chlorine and some people describe the water has a funny taste like dirt or metal, etc.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
February 26, 2021
Water Contaminants
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Said, “Boil Tap Water Before Drinking”
The recent sudden power outage in Texas left everyone worried. Homes and businesses were left stranded after a deadly blast of winter left the electrical grid dead. Millions of Texans had to deal with the harsh weather, but this was only half of the problem. The other half is the absence of clean water due to the power outage.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
February 21, 2021
Water Contaminants
How to Remove Chromium 6 in Water
The name “hexavalent chromium” gained the prominence in the Erin Brockovich’s lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric Co., which alerted the public about this cancer-causing chemical. The utility company was found liable for dumping this type of chemical into the groundwater of Hinkley, CA.
PG&E disguised the crisis and deceived the community on the effects of the hexavalent chromium along with the possible connection to the health problems of the residents in the town. The residents reached a $333-million settlement with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. for polluting the water, yet the story of Hinkley continues with no Hollywood ending, the town is emptying out while the ones who choose to stay are still struggling to find a solution.
What happened to Hinkley is due to a company’s misconduct, yet, a recent study by UC Riverside suggests that rusted iron pipes can react with residual disinfectants from drinking water distribution systems to generate hexavalent chromium as well.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
December 16, 2020
Water Contaminants
Wildfires in California Raise Health Concerns over Contaminated Water
Wildfire leads to water contamination in California. Learn how to remove benzene and other toxic chemicals in the local water supply after wildfires.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
October 17, 2020
Water Contaminants
Brain-Eating Amoeba Found in Water Supply 8 Texas Cities Were Alerted
Texas government releases disaster declaration over the safety of its city water supply. Read to learn how to access clean drinking water.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
September 27, 2020
Water Contaminants
Giant Rats – Another Reason to Get a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
Giant rats have the dangerous potentials of infecting waterbodies with harmful parasites. Install a Waterdrop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System in your home to filter your feedwater before drinking or cooking with it.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
September 06, 2020
Water Contaminants
Make Your Water Lead-Free With These Proven Tips
How come my water is contaminated with lead? Does it matter if I drink water with a high level of lead? How I can remove it? Waterdrop is here to solve the mystery.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
September 03, 2020
Water Contaminants
What Should Be Filtered out of Water?
What organic and inorganic contaminants should be filtered out of water? What are the differences and how are they gonna effect my health? How can I remove them from my tap water? Waterdrop is here to answer your questions.
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
August 27, 2020
Water Contaminants
Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Bacteria and Viruses?
Bacteria and viruses are going inside your body through water! Is bottled water a way to a contaminant-free life? Why is RO the right choice? How does it work? Check out to learn more!
If viruses are in your drinking water or the water from your kitchen faucet, they may enter your body through your mouth. Doesn't that sound terrible? After all, we cannot live if we don't drink water. How can we get safe water?
by Dr. Jonathan Doyle
June 01, 2020