Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
Spring 4-26-2024
College/Unit
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department/Program/Center
Center for Resilient Communities
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Wilson
Abstract
Water security and justice is the right of all people to have reasonable access to clean and safe water. Pollution in the form of toxic discharge from various industries poses a significant risk to public and environmental health. Among these toxic pollutants are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals” that compromise water quality in our communities. Despite the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 aimed at ensuring clean drinking water for WV, there is still an alarming pattern of neglect and injustice to communities related to race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and language barriers . Non-compliance with the SDWA can lead to severe health consequences, including mass distribution of cancers, developmental issues and other diseases. In 2020, the Annual Compliance Report for the SDWA in WV revealed 3,142 violations regarding failure to monitor and report water quality issues. Our project addresses these challenges through community engagement, political advocacy, and scientific data collection on the causes of water pollution in West Virginia to promote environmental justice for all residents.
Digital Commons Citation
Melendez, Selena A.; Rice, Ilan; and Dever, Grace, "Water Security and Justice: Community PFAS Exposure in Monongalia County" (2024). Undergraduate Scholarship. 11.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/ugscholarship/11