The Bottled Water Problem: Distrust, Harm and the Solution
In 2022, 20% of U.S. adults avoided tap water, up from 14% before the 2014 Flint water crisis. Among Black adults, avoidance rose to 35%, and among Hispanic adults, to 38%. Investing in modern water infrastructure and professionalized operations is essential to breaking the cycle of distrust and reducing harmful reliance on bottled water. By prioritizing these efforts, we can protect public health, strengthen communities and safeguard the environment for future generations.