Water. A necessity for human life. Every single person has the right and privilege to consume water, or that's what we thought. No access to sanitary water is an issue that isn't just a global one, but also a local one. Our own communities are outdated with plumbing, containing toxic chemicals in rivers, which create an imbalance for the equal privilege of sanitary water. This issue is an environmental injustice issue, where water is inadequate and especially affecting low income individuals by making them invest in infrastructure to get a better supply of water. This crisis warrants the community's attention. We have to make changes in our infrastructure and control our pollution to give life its meaning again.
Puroclean defines outdated plumbing systems as "ticking time bombs for water damage". Burst pipes and leakings can cause corrosion and gradual water damage. Damages like this can also contribute to mold growth, compromising the structural components. Puroclean states that the most efficient way to combat this situation is to schedule regular inspections, and upgrade to modern plumbing systems. Arguably though, low income individuals could possibly find this method challenging, which is why other methods have been outlined like ensuring proper ventilation and monitoring water pressure.
Like stated before, this crisis is also a community one, but to take it further, this crisis is even affecting children at public parks. Natasha Anderson, A high school student did a research study on water containing traces of lead. She took 28 samples from different water fountains in different public parks and the results were shocking. 5 of the water fountains in public parks were contaminated with lead. Natasha also recorded that young children and pregnant women use the water fountains for hydration at times. Natasha didn't just want to turn this in as a project, she wanted to take action. She kept going around city hall but employees never gave her any attention. City hall then took its own data from the water fountains that Natasha warned the state about, but the results have not been disclosed by city hall. In fact, NJ League of Conservation states that "As the nation's most densely populated state, New Jersey's forests and open spaces that naturally filter pollutants and clean our water are disappearing. The fish in many of our rivers and streams are too contaminated to eat. Too many homeowners can't drink their tap water. Kids are losing their futures due to lead poisoning."
Although the very quality of human life is currently endangered, New Jersey has come with a plan to restore the prestige and value of humanity. The Water Infrastructure investment plan is New Jersey's initiative to optimize the federal and state resources to amplify water infrastructure throughout the state. This plan was brought to the table solely to enhance New Jersey's water quality and infrastructure, crucial to maintain the state's health and economy. This plan is essential for the state as New Jersey is also the United States' most densely populated state, which means there is a significant strain on the infrastructure that other less densely populated states might not face. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also reassures us the safety of our water by stating that "The Water Infrastructure Investment Plan has started being implemented through the administration of the Water Bank program through the Division of Water Quality and Division of Water Supply and Geoscience."