Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) | Water Contaminant Mapping Tool

GeoMarvel partnered with the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) on the Water Contaminant Mapping Tool, which visualizes contamination in public drinking water systems around the U.S. On their website, WQRF displays an ArcGIS StoryMap that serves as a visualization of various contaminants across the United States based on data they’ve collected since 2018. They also feature an interactive map called the Water Contaminant Mapping Tool, which was created using ArcGIS Experience Builder. This information, sourced from state agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was used to create a database that visualizes contamination in public drinking water systems which serve nearly 88% of the U.S. population.

The contaminants shown are those detected in Public Water Systems from 2019 to 2023 and represent only a portion of the entire database. Over the past 50 years, the Safe Drinking Water Act has safeguarded public health by regulating over 90 contaminants in public drinking water, including per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS chemicals. These are chemicals characterized by a robust carbon-fluorine bond that leads to their accumulation over time in the environment and in living organisms, including humans, presenting potential health risks. Due to their widespread use, PFAS are often referred to as “everywhere chemicals” or “forever chemicals” because they are prevalent in many everyday products such as non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant furniture, and food packaging.

The map highlights the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs), which are stricter than the legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL). Due to their extensive use and environmental persistence, PFAS are detected in the blood of people and animals worldwide and can be found at low levels in various food products and the environment, including water. On April 10, 2024, the U.S. EPA established new rules for PFAS contaminants, setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water. Users can toggle between common contaminants and PFA, search by zip code & state, and even search further by county boundaries, and specific water systems of interest. Service areas, as indicated with the colored dots, include residential/subdivisions, municipalities, homeowners associations, secondary residences, and mobile home parks.