The four city California report is part of a larger one on water supplies in 19 cities nationwide that the NRDC will publish in the next few months. The environmental group decided to release the California section early to let voters know about the problems before they vote next Tuesday on Proposition 50, a ballot initiative that would authorize $3.4 billion to protect water resources.
The NRDC report found no confirmed violations of enforceable federal tap water standards in the four cities, but concluded that infrastructure and other problems in each of the municipal water supplies might pose health risks to some residents.
Although the report does not advise residents to stop drinking tap water, it cites medical experts who suggest that pregnant women and parents of infants consult with their health care providers.
Echoing recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NRDC also urged that people who have serious immune system problems, such as those taking some cancer chemotherapy drugs or people with HIV/AIDS, consult with their health care providers regarding the safety of drinking tap water.
Fresno's water supply, which the report cites as the worst of the four, has serious problems caused by nitrates, pesticides and industrial chemicals. To address these concerns, the report recommends that Fresno improve its waterworks infrastructure and source water protection.
Perhaps acknowledging the problem, the city of Fresno this year urged that pregnant women and parents of infants consult with their health care providers about their tap water.
