More than $78 million dollars in funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is slated to arrive this year in Puerto Rico for water infrastructure projects. The local government will be deciding how to best use the funds based on criteria outlined by the EPA's Administrator.
In parts of the islands, access to potable water has been a challenge. The situation was made all the worse several years ago after Hurricane Maria destroyed wells and water infrastructure in some areas.
According to the EPA, drinking water may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, but some drinking water contaminants may be harmful if consumed at elevated levels. The agency provides general categories of drinking water contaminants, they include:
- Physical contaminants primarily impact the appearance or other physical properties of water. Examples include sediment or organic material suspended in water.
- Chemical contaminants are elements or compounds. These contaminants may be naturally occurring or manmade. Examples include nitrogen, bleach, salts, pesticides, metals, toxins produced by bacteria, and human or animal drugs.
- Biological contaminants are organisms in water. They are also referred to as microbes or microbiological contaminants. Examples include bacteria, viruses, protozoan and parasites.
- Radiological contaminants are chemical elements with an unbalanced number of protons and neutrons resulting in unstable atoms that can emit ionizing radiation. Examples include cesium, plutonium and uranium.
“Water quality is critical for the health and well-being of the islands' residents and visitors, as well as the success of local businesses and institutions,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “This includes water provided by utilities and private wells. Even water that is provided by a water utility that is of good quality when it leaves its source can become contaminated on the way to the tap in a home or business. For example, pipes containing asbestos or lead can leach these substances into the water.”
In Puerto Rico and the surrounding region, the water quality experts at Zimmetry Environmental offer comprehensive water testing, monitoring and consulting services to help ensure the public's health and safety. Several years ago, they even sponsored an educational video about drinking water contaminant categories that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/P5vJ_AkBjP0
To learn more about water quality or other environmental, occupational, industrial hygiene, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.
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