News & Commentary

Big Chance to Get the Lead Out and Fix Water Infrastructure

May 12, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

There's an unprecedented opportunity to finally fix the scourge of lead-contaminated tap water, and to address our decrepit drinking water and sewer systems. But we must act now!

Senate Passes Bill to Advance Safe, Affordable Water for All

April 29, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2021 takes important steps towards providing everyone in this country with access to clean, safe, and affordable water.

Biden Proposes Big Investments in Water: It’s About Time

March 31, 2021 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Biden's infrastructure plan would replace millions of lead pipes and invest billions to protect our tap water and water sources. It would be a game-changer—protecting health, investing in equity, and creating millions of living wage jobs.

More Than 2 Weeks, No Safe Water in Jackson, Mississippi

March 3, 2021 Expert BlogJackson, MississippiErik D. Olson

Residents of Jackson are fed up, living without safe water for more than 2 weeks. Here's what needs to happen to fix the problem.

Texas Shows Us Our Water Future with Climate Change: It Ain’t Pretty

February 26, 2021 Expert BlogTexasErik D. Olson

Texas was just a glimpse of what’s to come. With increasing wildfires, drought, flooding, and sea-level rise, we must make sure our water systems can continue to operate during such events.

Ensuring Environmental Justice and Health Protection

November 24, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson, Mae Wu, Melissa Lin Perrella

Millions of American families live in toxic clouds wafting from chemical plants. But President Biden can attack these and other threats—and put communities and public health first.

How Can I Find Out If I Have a Lead Service Line?

October 1, 2020 Expert BlogErik D. Olson

Most of our household plumbing contains some amount of lead, whether in faucets, fittings, lead solder, or lead pipes, but lead service lines present the largest source and risk of lead in drinking water.

Can I Use Water Sampling to Identify a Lead Service Line?

October 1, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

If you are trying to find out if you have a lead service line and you are comfortable with uncertainty and do not want to dig up your yard, water sampling can provide an alternative but less conclusive approach for…

Bad EPA Decision on Infamous Kid-Toxic Pesticide Expected Soon

September 18, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

EPA is about to greenlight the widely-used pesticide chlorpyrifos, which is highly toxic to kids' brains. This despite the science and the law dictating that this dangerous chemical should be banned.

NRDC Sues to Protect Kids from Perchlorate in Tap Water

September 3, 2020 Expert BlogErik D. Olson

The toxic chemical is a component of rocket fuel, munitions, and fireworks—and has already been found in drinking water in 26 states.

Guest Blog: Reopening Schools – Drinking Water Concerns

August 24, 2020 Expert BlogJoan Leary Matthews, Erik D. Olson

After closing early and transitioning to online learning, school systems across the United States are trying to figure out if and how to reopen this fall. Amid the discussion about social distancing in classrooms and hallways, a critical component of…

House OKs a Serious Investment in Protecting Our Water!

July 2, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesBecky Hammer, Erik D. Olson

The House of Representatives’ passage of the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2) is good news for our nation’s water infrastructure.

Let's Protect Millions of Kids from Lead-Tainted Water!

June 29, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

Millions of kids drink water from lead service lines—it's like drinking from a lead straw! The House of Representatives could provide $22.5 billion to fund removal of these pipes through the Tlaib/Kildee/Slotkin Amendment to the Moving Forward Act (H.R.2).

EPA Refuses to Protect Children from Perchlorate-Contaminated Tap Water

May 14, 2020 Expert BlogErik D. Olson

The agency defies a court order, the law, and science.

COVID 4 Stimulus Bill Must Recognize: Water Is Life

April 8, 2020 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

None of us can wash our hands, bathe, or clean and disinfect our homes as recommended by CDC without safe running water. Yet despite living under stay-at-home orders, staggering numbers of Americans have had their water shut off due to…

Lead Contaminated Water: EPA’s Proposal Fails Our Kids

February 14, 2020 Expert BlogErik D. Olson, Valerie Baron

Congress Moves Further on PFAS Protections

January 14, 2020 Expert BlogErik D. Olson, Katie Hobbs

This Year’s Defense Bill Has Important Public Health Protections

December 10, 2019 Expert BlogErik D. Olson, Katie Hobbs

All told, this year’s defense bill represents significant progress towards protecting human health against PFAS, dangerous air pollution, lead poisoning and climate change. Yet more work remains.

Newark Is Still Leaving Thousands Without Safe Water

October 18, 2019 Expert BlogErik D. Olson

Despite continuing lead problems, Newark ends its bottled water program. Thousands are still at risk.

Here’s What’s Needed to Fix the EPA’s Outdated Lead in Tap Water Rule

October 9, 2019 Expert BlogUnited StatesErik D. Olson

If the EPA doesn’t overhaul its Lead and Copper Rule, lead-contaminated drinking water will continue to be a widespread problem in the United States.