Ngan Vo
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Ben van der Pluijm
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Earth & Environmental Sciences / LSA
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 6 – 4:40pm – 5:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors:
Presenter: 64
Abstract
Water has a large impact on human health, hence it is essential that fresh drinking water is clean and safe for consumption. However, the quality of drinking water is not always adequate, varying between cities and by different socioeconomic factors. The focus of this project is on the disparities of drinking water quality among fifteen cities in Southern Michigan. Data was collected from each city’s Annual Water Quality Report from 2018 to 2020, which was subsequently compared to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Seven different factors within the water quality reports were given close inspection, including several inorganic contaminants, disinfection byproducts, and turbidity. The biggest observed disparity was the lead concentration in drinking water, in which some areas had levels exceeding the national regulations. To understand more about this disparity, a comparison of the cities’ demographics was created. This comparison showed correlations between lead concentration and population by race, median income, and poverty rate. Recognizing the disparity in water quality and the socioeconomic factors associated with it can be useful in identifying and calling attention to regions that require assistance, emphasizing the need for further national and state government support in the goal of clean drinking water for all.
Environmental Studies, Interdisciplinary, Social Sciences
