We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, and that means drinking plenty of water. But what if the quality of your drinking water is not up to par? That can be a real issue, especially on a large scale. Today we are taking a closer look at the best US cities with the highest quality drinking water.
Drinking Water Quality Basics
Before we get into the cities, let’s quickly review some basic information about drinking water quality in the US. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets and enforces standards for a variety of contaminants in the public and private drinking water supply. These contaminants can include bacteria, chemicals, and metals, among other things.
The EPA also sets health-based standards and limits for all of these contaminants, which vary depending on the safety and health risks associated with them. When the EPA tests public water supplies across the country, they are looking for any evidence that these standards and limits have been exceeded. Those results are then published, providing key information about the drinking water quality for that area.
So, now that you have a better understanding of how drinking water quality is assessed in the US, let’s move on to the cities that top the list for having the best quality drinking water in the nation.
Top 10 US Cities with Highest Quality Drinking Water
- Madison, WI
Madison, Wisconsin tops the list for having consistently great drinking water quality, due to their strict enforcement of safety standards and their dedication to keeping their water clean. Madison also utilizes ongoing testing of their water supply, to make sure that their results are as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
- Cincinnati, OH
In terms of safety, Cincinnati’s public water supply is one of the best in the US. Their water is heavily tested and regulated by the EPA, and any contaminants that are found are quickly and correctly addressed.
- Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis has some of the best drinking water in the US, with consistent high-quality results on their testing. Participating in their local water conservation program is also a great way to help keep their water supply clean and safe.
- Portland, OR
Oregon recently passed a law that requires heightened testing and regulation of their statewide water supply. This has had a huge impact on the quality of Portland’s drinking water, which is now considered to be among the country’s best.
- Austin, TX
Texas recently tested their statewide public water supplies, including Austin. Their findings showed that most areas had a safe, high-quality drinking water supply, with results that exceeded EPA standards in many cases.
- Denver, CO
Denver is committed to providing clean drinking water to its citizens. They invest in new technologies and techniques to ensure water safety and keep quality high at all times.
- Seattle, WA
Seattle has a strong emphasis on water conservation and quality, which has led to excellent drinking water results. They also strive to provide their residents with promotional materials about water safety and quality, so everyone is informed and up to date.
- Baltimore, MD
Baltimore also works hard to make sure that everyone has access to safe, clean drinking water. They use special chemicals and processes to ensure that their water is free from contaminants, and they are part of a larger statewide testing program that takes place each year.
- Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh is well-known for having safe, high-quality drinking water, due to the measures that the city takes to ensure water safety. Tests are conducted on a regular basis, and any contaminants that are found are addressed right away.
- San Diego, CA
San Diego is dedicated to providing its citizens with high quality drinking water. They use a variety of methods and technologies to make sure that their water supply is safe and free of any dangerous contaminants.
These top 10 US cities have proven their commitment to providing their citizens with high-quality drinking water. Whether through testing, conservation efforts, or stricter enforcement of safety standards, these cities are doing everything they can to maintain a high-quality water supply for their citizens.
Drinking clean and safe water is essential for the health and wellbeing of all Americans, so it is great to know that these cities are at the top of their game when it comes to providing their citizens with the best quality drinking water possible.
