A new study claims that nitrate pollution in drinking water
supplies near California’s Central Valley farming communities has worsened in
recent decades, and will continue to spread, reports the Los Angeles Times. University
of California Davis scientists analyzed ground water data from the southern San
Joaquin and Salinas valleys, and concluded that even if all farming operations
stopped immediately, nitrates would stay in the water and continue to flow into
other areas.
Nitrates from farmers’ fertilizers and manure seep into
ground water, which is used for drinking by almost all of approximately 2.65
million people in the areas examined in the study. High nitrate levels have
been linked to thyroid cancer, skin rashes, hair loss, birth defects, and methemoglobinemia,
otherwise known as blue baby syndrome, a potentially lethal blood disorder in
infants.
Those most at risk for drinking water polluted with nitrates
are served by small, local water systems that cannot afford treatment or those
using private wells. Researchers estimate that nearly 10 percent of people in
the region are drinking contaminated water, and believe that 80 percent of
residents will face health and financial problems by 2050 if nothing is done to
combat the problem.
Nitrate Contamination in Ground Water Worsens in California Farm Areas
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!