In all corners of America, from Alaska's glacial rivers to Florida's tropical springs, the quality of tap water is a testament to the natural resources, infrastructure, and regulatory fortitude of each state. With over 50,000 community water systems in the U.S, the quality of tap water can drastically vary, making it an intricate part of our everyday lives and health. According to the most recent water quality violation data, there is a wide range in the commitment and success by states in maintaining compliance with federal water standards.
Our analysis relies on the water quality violations metric, which catalogues the instances when tap water quality fails to meet federal guidelines in a state. Fewer violations commonly indicate a more robust drinking water sector and cleaner tap water. Still, it's necessary to remember that these figures are statewide totals and might not reflect the specific conditions in individual cities or communities.
Key findings from our investigation into the data include: