One of the most basic necessities for humans is water. In order to survive, it is vital to have access to clean and safe drinking water. However, in the United States, there are millions of people who do not have access to this fundamental human right. The most severe impacts of this issue are felt in communities of people of color, low-income families, and indigenous communities. This is a result of environmental racism and neglect, which is systemic.
Communities of Color: Contaminated drinking water is one of the most common ways through which marginalized populations are affected in terms of water insecurity. Areas where industrial activity or infrastructure is polluting the water supply are very common living spaces for communities of color. In California, communities of farmers rely on water systems, which often have higher than allowed levels of nitrates. When present in water at high levels, they can pose very dangerous health risks to those consuming them. Some of these risks include a higher risk of cancers and infant developmental issues. These communities are pushing for change, but as there is none being made, they are having to continue drinking the unsafe water due to there being no other alternatives.
In addition to this, communities of color often face many other barriers preventing them from pushing for change. Some examples of this are language barriers and limited access to legal aid. The exposure that they are experiencing from the contaminated water they are consuming is not only a health issue it is also environmental racism. These communities are more likely to suffer because of the ongoing discrimination that is ingrained into our society.
Poor and Black Communities: Climate change is one thing that can be the root cause of a lot of water-related crises. And more often than not, poor and black communities face the brunt of the aftermath of the disasters. Climate change is affecting our water sources in multiple ways, such as droughts and rising water levels. Low-income communities, as well as black communities, are the ones who feel the majority of the effects. There is a disproportionate number of black communities that are located in areas which have a higher level of environmental hazards. When environmental disasters such as hurricanes hit, black neighborhoods are usually hit the hardest.
Indigenous Communities: Rural indigenous communities are also greatly suffering due to this issue. Due to water levels rising, it is mixing with the sources of water, which are located on tribal lands. Another issue that this is creating is that they're methods of sustenance are also being affected, such as their farming and fishing methods. Since these communities are more isolated, they also have limited resources for emergencies. Moreover, these communities are also facing political exclusion in addition to these issues. Indigenous communities are regularly excluded from conversations regarding access to clean water. In the United States, these decisions are often made without consulting those who are being directly impacted by the issue.
Conclusion: One of the best indicators of environmental justice will be equal access to clean water, but this is not the case in the United States. People of color, indigenous communities, and low-income families are the most affected by this issue. This is due to systemic racism and environmental inequality, as well as racism. In order to ensure that all people in the United States are able to receive access to clean water, it will take a lot of work. The work towards correcting this injustice must begin by helping those who are most directly impacted. Clean water should be treated as something that is a right that every human being shares, not something that is a privilege that only some can have access to.