New York City’s drinking water system serves almost 9 million people, making it by far the largest U.S. water utility and one of the world’s biggest. EWG’s release of this year’s Tap Water Database provides a useful chance to see what’s in the water New Yorkers drink, and how it compares to the nation. In addition to […]

We know how important it is to feel confident about the water coming from your tap. That’s why EWG on social media asked you to share your top questions and concerns about drinking water quality.  You responded with thoughtful, insightful queries, asking about everything from hidden contaminants and filtration options to water safety regulations and test […]

The toxic fluorinated per-and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals known as PFAS  are a class of thousands of environmentally persistent synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s. They are added as a water-, grease- or stain-repellent in clothing, cookware, furniture, carpets and some cosmetics. PFAS are also found in industrial firefighting foam and in numerous industrial […]

More than 5,000 sites across the U.S. are polluted with the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, creating an urgent national health and environmental crisis. The Biden administration took a crucial step toward tackling the problem and making polluters pay, by designating PFOA and PFOS, two of the most notorious PFAS, as hazardous substances. PFOA […]

With the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS regularly grabbing headlines these days, you may be wondering what these chemicals mean for you.  After all, these chemicals, found in a vast array of consumer products and industrial applications, have been linked to damage to the immune system , harm to fetal development, reduced vaccine effectiveness and several types of cancer […]

Everyone should have clean drinking water. But millions of Americans are exposed to harmful contaminants in their tap water. Despite decades of federal regulations, much work remains to be done to protect public health. Just because a contaminant is considered “legal” by federal standards doesn’t mean it’s as safe for drinking as it should be. EWG […]

Trichloroethylene, or TCE, is a highly toxic compound that pollutes soil, water and air, putting millions at risk – especially pregnant people, children and those with weakened immune systems.  TCE is a hazardous synthetic, nonflammable and colorless volatile organic compound that has been used in the U.S. since the early 1920s. It’s a solvent used in […]