Most water systems in the U.S. have fluoride added to help protect residents' teeth. Some research raises concerns that, at high enough levels, fluoride may be linked to lower IQs in kids. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption
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Adding fluoride to the U.S. drinking water has long been considered one of greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Still, debate continues about its worth. Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images hide caption
Just this month, California declared a state of emergency due to rising cases of bird flu in dairy cattle. BeritK/Getty Images hide caption
From Ozempic to bird flu: Here are the biggest health stories of 2024
John Brundahl (left), production superintendent, Todd Colvin, chief water systems operator, and Mark Toy, general manager, run the PFAS treatment plant at the Yorba Linda Water District in Orange County, Calif. Pien Huang/NPR hide caption
Utilities must comply with limits on PFAS chemicals by 2029. Some have a head start
Chemical companies and water utilities have sued the EPA after it issued rules limiting some PFAs, or "forever chemicals" that are linked to human health risks. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/Getty Images North America hide caption
Following a new EPA rule, public water systems will have five years to address instances where there is too much PFAS in tap water – three years to sample their systems and establish the existing levels of PFAS, and an additional two years to install water treatment technologies if their levels are too high. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption
What to know about the new EPA rule limiting 'forever chemicals' in tap water
EPA is limiting PFAS chemicals in drinking water in the U.S. Rogelio V. Solis/AP hide caption
EPA puts limits on 'forever chemicals' in drinking water
Many cities have older lead service lines connecting homes to the water system. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption
Lead in the drinking water is still a problem in the U.S. — especially in Chicago
Lead water pipes pulled from underneath the street in Newark, N.J., in 2021. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption
A study released by the U.S. Geological Survey on Wednesday estimates that at least 45% of U.S. tap water could be contaminated with at least one form of PFAS, which could have harmful health effects. Rogelio V. Solis/AP hide caption
Michael Regan, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, at an event in 2021. The Biden administration is announcing a plan to regulate "forever chemicals" in drinking water. Travis Long/AP hide caption
Hurricane Fiona, which made landfall on Sunday, has damaged reservoirs and water filtration plants. Puerto Rico's only water agency is scrambling to restore services, but officials say they're waiting for flooded rivers to subside. Alejandro Granadillo/AP hide caption
Michelle Hartfield, a public information officer for the Salvation Army, takes notes while Booker Ellis, Chris Bonham and Walter Houston unload water donated by the Salvation Army to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind on Thursday. Leslie Gamboni for NPR hide caption
In Jackson, Miss., volunteers work hard to bring water to residents who need help
Environmental Protection Agency administrator Michael Regan speaks at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, in Greensboro, N.C., on April 14. The EPA is warning that two nonstick and stain-resistant compounds in drinking water pose health risks at levels below the government's ability to detect them. Carolyn Kaster/AP hide caption
Quelccaya glacier in Peru, photographed in 2015. Glaciers in the Andes mountains contain significantly less water than previously thought, according to a new study. Ricardo Lopez/AP hide caption
A water main break Wednesday left most residents of Benton Harbor, Mich., without water as the city continues to deal with lead pipe water quality issues. Don Campbell/The Herald-Palladium via AP hide caption
Michael Regan speaks during his confirmation hearing in February to be the Environmental Protection Agency administrator. In an NPR interview Thursday, Regan says technology that helps eliminate emissions is key to tackling climate change. Caroline Brehman/AP hide caption
EPA Chief Says Biden Infrastructure Bill Will Help The U.S. Face Climate Change
Bushfires followed by intense rain can cause unsettled sediment and debris to contaminate local water reservoirs. Melbourne's water authority invested in catchments to combat this threat, though scientists are still trying to understand when and how these debris flows occur. Meredith Rizzo/NPR hide caption
Darlene Yazzie typically hauls water from a windmill 5 miles from her house for her sheep. Officials tell her it's unsafe for humans but OK for livestock. Laurel Morales/KJZZ hide caption
Many Native Americans Can't Get Clean Water, Report Finds
Coal ash swirls on the surface of the Dan River following one of the worst coal-ash spills in U.S. history into the river in Danville, Va., in February 2014. The Environmental Protection Agency wants to ease restrictions on coal ash and wastewater from coal plants. Gerry Broome/AP hide caption
The issue of lead levels in water was brought to national attention during the Flint water crisis, which started in 2014. Paul Sancya/AP hide caption
A Newark, N.J., resident carries a case of bottled water distributed Monday at a recreation center. The Environmental Protection Agency said residents shouldn't rely on water filters the city gave out to address lead contamination. Kathy Willens/AP hide caption
The emergency water distribution center on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation serves as many as 900 people a day. People without transportation carry what they can, organizers said. Emily Cureton/OPB hide caption
No Safe Drinking Water On Reservation Leaves Thousands Improvising
The Flint Water Plant tower in Flint, Mich., where drinking water became tainted after the city switched from the Detroit system and began drawing from the Flint River in April 2014 to save money. Carlos Osorio/AP hide caption