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Ranking the Quality of Municipal Drinking Water in the U.S.

by | Sep 4, 2024 | Drinking Water, Health, Water Quality, Whole House Filters | 0 comments

U.S. map displaying different states in various colors with the question 'How does your state rank?' across the center, emphasizing state rankings for safe drinking water and water quality.

Ranking the Quality of Municipal Drinking Water in the U.S.

A Closer Look at EPA Violation Points

When it comes to the quality of municipal drinking water in the U.S., not all states are created equal. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tracks violations related to water quality standards, assigning violation points based on the severity and frequency of infractions. These violation points can provide valuable insights into the safety and reliability of your local water supply. In this post, we’ll explore how states across the country rank based on their EPA Violation Points per 1,000 customers served, and why these rankings matter for your health.

Understanding EPA Violation Points

EPA Violation Points are accrued when a water system fails to meet federally mandated drinking water standards. These points are a critical measure of a municipality’s ability to provide safe drinking water to its residents. Violations can include anything from exceeding maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for harmful substances like lead and arsenic to failing to properly treat or monitor the water supply. The higher the number of violation points per 1,000 customers served, the greater the risk to public health.

Ranking Municipal Drinking Water Quality

Municipalities across the U.S. vary widely in their drinking water quality, with some performing significantly better than others. Here’s a breakdown of how the states rank based on their EPA Violation Points: 

 

      1. Hawaii – 0.08 points
      2. Tennessee – 0.30 points
      3. Alabama – 0.30 points
      4. South Carolina – 0.31 points
      5. Massachusetts – 0.34 points
      6. Kentucky – 0.36 points
      7. Georgia – 0.59 points
      8. Florida – 0.75 points
      9. Maryland – 0.82 points
      10. Ohio – 0.84 points
      11. California – 0.87 points
      12. Delaware – 0.89 points
      13. Mississippi – 0.91 points
      14. Minnesota – 0.94 points
      15. Virginia – 0.96 points
      16. North Carolina – 1.08 points
      17. Nevada – 1.21 points
      18. North Dakota – 1.28 points
      19. New York – 1.28 points
      20. Rhode Island – 1.58 points
      21. Illinois – 1.64 points
      22. Missouri – 1.66 points
      23. Utah – 1.79 points
      24. Washington – 1.79 points
      25. New Jersey – 1.86 points
      26. Arkansas – 1.87 points
      27. Nebraska – 1.93 points
      28. Wisconsin – 1.98 points
      29. South Dakota – 2.08 points
      30. Iowa – 2.13 points
      31. Texas – 2.35 points
      32. Arizona – 2.43 points
      33. Colorado – 2.67 points
      34. Kansas – 2.76 points
      35. Louisiana – 2.84 points
      36. Michigan – 3.02 points
      37. Connecticut – 3.46 points
      38. Indiana – 4.06 points
      39. Oregon – 4.61 points
      40. Pennsylvania – 5.17 points
      41. New Mexico – 5.35 points
      42. New Hampshire – 5.74 points
      43. Idaho – 6.11 points
      44. Wyoming – 7.00 points
      45. Vermont – 7.56 points
      46. Oklahoma – 7.65 points
      47. West Virginia – 9.90 points
      48. Montana – 10.54 points
      49. Maine – 11.37 points
      50. Alaska – 25.44 points

What This Means for You

If your state ranks poorly in terms of EPA Violation Points, it’s a clear sign that your water supply may be compromised. Contaminants like lead, chlorine, nitrates, and more can pose serious health risks, especially with long-term exposure. Even if your municipality is working to address these violations, it may take time to fully resolve the issues.  You can check the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database to see what’s in YOUR water.  Just go to EWG Tap Water Database and enter your ZIP code.

Protecting Your Home with Water Filtration

Regardless of where your state ranks, investing in a reliable water filtration system is a proactive way to safeguard your family’s health. Advanced filtration systems can remove a wide range of contaminants, ensuring that the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in is as clean and safe as possible. Whether you’re dealing with high levels of lead, bacteria, or other harmful substances, a whole-home filtration system can provide peace of mind.

Conclusion

The quality of municipal drinking water in the U.S. varies greatly, with some cities facing significant challenges in providing safe water to their residents. By understanding how your state ranks in terms of EPA Violation Points, you can make informed decisions about protecting your home’s water supply. With a high-quality water filtration system, you can enjoy clean, safe water every day, regardless of the condition of your local infrastructure.

For more information on choosing the right water filtration system for your home, contact us today.

 

References

U.S. News & World Report. (2024, January). Drinking Water Quality. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/natural-environment/air-water-quality/drinking-water-quality?sort=rank-desc

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