Starting in the fall of 2024, The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans (TWC) will conduct its second study on chemical contamination across seven parishes in southeastern Louisiana. This study will focus on collecting and analyzing PFAS and heavy metal samples from residential tap water, expanding on our previous 2022 study, which examined contamination in the Mississippi River. Learn more about the findings of our 2022 study here.
As awareness of PFAS contamination grows, so does the need for water utilities to implement more stringent measures to protect communities from these harmful substances. By gathering this critical data, The Water Collaborative seeks to empower local communities with the information needed to advocate for safer water practices in southeastern Louisiana.
Testing was conducted in seven parishes across southeastern Louisiana: St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines.
WHAT IS CANCER ALLEY?
Cancer Alley is an 85-mile stretch of land between Baton Rouge and New Orleans that houses over 150 petrochemical facilities and complexes. Originally dubbed Plantation Country, the region has a long, dark history of injustices towards Black and Indigenous communities.
In the last century, pollution-emitting industries have continued to surround rural, lower-income, and BIPOC communities, releasing toxic chemicals into the surrounding water, air, and soil. The EPA’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool, the EJScreen, indicates a NATA Cancer Risk in the 95-100 percentile for the region. According to a recent study by the Clean Air Task Force,
Black Americans are 75% more likely than white Americans to live in fence-line communities; communities that border industrial factories and plants. Black Americans are also three times more likely than any other group to die from pollution exposure. Anecdotally, residents complain of poor tasting, foul-smelling, and discolored water, prompting many residents to buy bottled water, ironically made from the same materials in the area causing cancer and other illnesses
For questions or concerns regarding this project, contact Rebecca Malpass at rebecca@nolawater.org or Taya Fontenette at taya@nolawater.org
PFAS
represents a set of over 9,000 man-made chemical compounds that do not break down over time. This means that they build up in our environment, and even our bloodstreams, over time. PFAS compounds are used by industries and the military for a wide range of products, including many household products we use every day, such as nonstick cookware, plastic food packaging, and stain removers. These compounds are flushed into our waterways through industrial discharges and municipal wastewater systems and can re-enter our homes through tap water. PFAS are currently unregulated by the federal government and while public health risk data is limited, the CDC has concluded that PFAS are linked to increased risks of kidney and testicular cancer, low birth weight, higher cholesterol and blood pressure, and a decreased response to vaccines.
MERCURY
is a highly toxic element that can enter drinking water from natural sources or industrial discharges. Exposure to mercury affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tremors, muscle weakness, memory problems, and developmental issues in children.
MANGANESE
is a naturally occurring metal that may also enter drinking water from industrial activities. Elevated levels of manganese can cause neurological issues, particularly in infants, as well as respiratory problems and adverse effects on the reproductive system.
ARSENIC
is a naturally occurring element that can also come from industrial and agricultural runoff. Chronic exposure to arsenic is hazardous and can result in serious health issues such as cancer, skin lesions, and cardiovascular problems.
SODIUM
naturally occurs in groundwater, but high levels in drinking water often result from road salt, industrial wastewater, or water softeners. While sodium is essential for health, excessive levels in drinking water can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), increased risk of heart disease, and kidney issues, particularly for individuals on sodium-restricted diets.
LEAD
is a toxic metal that often arises from corroded plumbing materials, including lead pipes, goosenecks, and fixtures. Lead contamination can lead to severe health issues, including damage to the nervous system and developmental problems such as delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues, particularly in children.
COPPER
is a metal that typically contaminates water through corroded plumbing materials. While short-term exposure can cause gastrointestinal issues, long-term exposure to copper can lead to liver and nervous system damage.
ANTIMONY
is found in industrial discharges, mining runoff, and in some plumbing materials. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of antimony in drinking water can lead to gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular effects, and liver damage. Ingesting antimony over time may also contribute to lung diseases and possible reproductive harm.
Our study will include rigorous background research on impacted communities, focusing on demographic, public health, and industrial emissions data. We will test tap water from residences along the Mississippi River, spanning from St. James to Plaquemines Parish, with samples collected from over 100 locations. A nationally certified laboratory will analyze the samples, looking for evidence of chemical contamination in the tap water along the river.
2022 Fellows
WILLIAM
BAUDOUINE