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The Los Angeles Wildfires Have Created Another Problem—Unsafe Drinking Water
Melted plastic pipes and drastic water-pressure drops are potentially leaching toxic chemicals and contaminants into local supplies. Multiple water authorities in north Los Angeles have issued Do Not Drink notices.
Drinking contaminated water in fire-affected areas could lead to waterborne illness, like the intestinal infection Giardia, or result in long-term health consequences from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. While boiling water kills viruses and bacteria, it will not protect against common chemical contaminants often introduced during wildfires, says Daniel McCurry, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California. Some places, like Louisville in Colorado, and Maui in Hawaii, released public access maps that tracked water quality at each land plot, which helped to keep residents informed during the months and years that followed.
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