Public health and safety have been at the forefront of many peoples’ minds this year as we are all dealing with a worldwide pandemic. There are a myriad of components that contribute to one’s health. One major factor is water. Water is one of the most critical elements to all living things. In some organisms, up to 90% of their entire body weight is made up of water. For us humans, up to 60% of our adult body weight comes from water. So, what is in our water that is contributing to 60% of our being? Well, we at SSI are investigating this very question in the Tap water Analysis Project (TAP).
This study will test household tap water for harmful chemical contaminants that threaten the safety of our water and potentially, our health. Although water systems test for certain chemicals in drinking water, there may be other chemicals and pesticides in the water that we do not know about. Results from this study will help us to better understand and address contaminants in drinking water that may be a health concern.
The study involves having someone from our research team come to your home to:
- Collect water from your kitchen tap
- Install a water filter on your kitchen faucet
- Ask you to fill out a short questionnaire
Our research team will take precautions to protect you by wearing gloves and masks at all times and maintaining social distance.
We are looking for homes from certain water systems or private wells that have an aerator kitchen faucet and no filtration system. Sampling will take place on November 15th and 16th. If you are interested in volunteering in this study, please contact our rural health coordinator, Taylor Schobel, as soon as possible.
Taylor@sierrastreamsinstitute.org // (630) 664-6064
This study is a collaboration with the Public Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, Tracking California, USGS, and the Clean Water Fund. TAP is supported by funds provided by The Regents of the University of California, California Breast Cancer Research Program.