Introduction
Water quality reports provide information in regards to the quality of the drinking water, possible contaminants, and ways to reduce risks. An example is the 2020 Augusta, Georgia water quality report in which Augusta Utilities, the water utility company, has exemplified the actions towards water conservation and contamination prevention. Moreover, the report includes information for consumers in regards to possible risks and ways to mitigate them. The report highlights data on the recent renovation of two filters and the nearly finished construction of a line that will supply the downtown city area with water more efficiently. Moreover, it contains information on water conservation and each individual’s efforts to ensure the resources are not wasted. An essential aspect of the report is the aspect of possible lead exposure. This issue can be minimized through effective management solutions such as consumer awareness, cooperation with regulatory entities, and frequent water sampling.
Water Quality Issue
Overall, the water in Augusta, Georgia, has been assessed to be high-quality in terms of a lack of significant contaminants and possible risk factors related to pollution. However, the report mentions lead exposure due to plumbing components that Augusta Utilities cannot control (Augusta Utilities, 2020). Thus, the point source pollution occurs on multiple levels, including the materials used in service lines as well as the process and components applied during home plumbing. Thus, both regulatory entities and individuals are to address the challenge.
Environmental and Health Impact
Lead exposure through water has multiple negative consequences for the environment and human health. According to researchers, an example of how lead exposure is harmful to humans is the increase in white blood cell count, which ultimately facilitates the deterioration of liver and kidney functions (Boskabady et al., 2018). Another example is highlighted in research showing that lead exposure correlates with high mortality related to cardiovascular disease in the US (Lanphear et al., 2018). The environmental impact affects animals and plans, for example, behavioral changes in mockingbirds becoming aggressively territorial (Levin et al., 2021). Plants, on the other hand, are affected by damage to the root system as well as abnormal growth.
Minimizing Water Pollution Through Management
Three management solutions are proposed to minimize lead contamination of the water. Researchers mention the importance of frequent sampling as an effective preventative measure to ensure the quality of the drinking water is high (Hajiseyedjavadi et al., 2022). Moreover, relevant studies show the importance of governmental policy support in providing vital resources that are not damaged through external involvement (Zeng et al., 2020). This the utility company is to cooperate with the government in policy-making processes to reduce environmental impact. Last but not least, public awareness in regards to lead and ways to reduce the risk of contamination is crucial for maintaining the water clean and noncontaminated.
Conclusion
The local authorities of Augusta, Georgia, are maintaining effective regulations in regard to the water resource in the city. However, a possible risk that is to be addressed is lead contamination and subsequent exposure to the population. The notion correlates with multiple adverse effects that affect both people and the environment in terms of wildlife and plants. Stricter regulations regarding water lines and plumbing, public awareness of preventative measures, and frequent inspections can mitigate the adverse effects and contribute to a positive change.
References
Augusta Utilities. (2020). Drinking water quality report 2020. Augusta. Web.
Boskabady, M., Marefati, N., Farkhondeh, T., Shakeri, F., Farshbaf, A., & Boskabady, M. H. (2018). The effect of environmental lead exposure on human health and the contribution of inflammatory mechanisms. A review.Environment International, 120, 404–420. Web.
Hajiseyedjavadi, S., Karimi, H. A., & Blackhurst, M. (2022). Predicting lead water service lateral locations: Geospatial Data Science in support of Municipal Programming. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 101277. Web.
Lanphear, B. P., Rauch, S., Auinger, P., Allen, R. W., & Hornung, R. W. (2018). Low-level lead exposure and mortality in US adults: A population-based Cohort Study.The Lancet Public Health, 3(4). Web.
Levin, R., Zilli Vieira, C. L., Rosenbaum, M. H., Bischoff, K., Mordarski, D. C., & Brown, M. J. (2021). The urban lead (PB) burden in humans, animals and the natural environment.Environmental Research, 193, 110377. Web.
Zeng, X., Huo, X., Xu, X., Liu, D., & Wu, W. (2020). E-waste lead exposure and children’s health in China. Science of The Total Environment, 734, 139286. Web.