Lead in the water: How some of America's water became too dangerous to drink
Nearly 60 million Americans may not know they’re drinking from toxic metal in present day, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. Nearly 60 million Americans may not know they're drinking from toxic metal in present day, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. The U.S. currently holds approximately 9.2 lead service lines underground, according to a recent survey released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As the U.S. faces crisis after crisis in the country's water infrastructure system, lead service lines continue to be a silent and deadly consequence – a decision determined by U.S. engineers more than 150 years ago. Volunteers distribute pallets of bottled water to residents at the Abundant Life Church of God in Benton Harbor, Mich., Oct. 19, 2021. Bloomberg via Getty Images History The engineering concept was originally initiated in the Ancient Roman era – lead pipes were designed to channel clean water into its city and sweep o...