Phosphorus Pollution: Unintended Consequences of Public Water Supply Treatments and How You Can Help

In an effort to reduce copper levels and lead pipe corrosion, public water systems in the United States sometimes dose their water with phosphate. Although this practice can prevent humanitarian disasters like the Flint water crisis, it comes with a significant downside: phosphorus Pollution. Phosphorus, when introduced into the environment via leaking pipes or outdoor water use, can contribute to eutrophication, a process that harms local aquatic ecosystems.

Until recently, it was unknown exactly how much phosphorus entered the environment from the public water supply, making it challenging to address this Pollution source. A new study led by Flint and colleagues, published in the journal Global Biogeochemical Cycles, estimates for the first time the amount of phosphorus entering the environment from the U.S. public water supply.

The researchers analyzed data from 2015, including phosphate dosing concentrations, public water system facility data, water supply volumes, and estimates of water loss due to leakage and outdoor water use. They found that approximately 3% of U.S. public water systems in 2015 dosed their water with phosphate. Since larger systems were more likely to use phosphate, about a quarter of the U.S. population received dosed water, with the practice being more common in the Midwest and the East, where legacy lead piping is still present.

Between 5% and 17% of dosed water leaked from water mains, while 5% to 21% was used outdoors. In some counties, phosphorus from the water supply entering the environment could exceed phosphorus from point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants, or diffuse sources like agricultural fertilizer use.

Given that phosphorus Pollution from public water supply is typically not included in phosphorus source apportionment studies, the authors hope their findings will help policymakers develop more effective phosphorus management strategies.

So, what can we do to help mitigate phosphorus pollution in our local ecosystems? Here are some steps you can take to contribute to a more sustainable environment:

1. Use water efficiently: Reduce outdoor water use by watering your garden early in the morning or late in the evening when evaporation rates are lower. Install water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow showerheads and faucets, to conserve water indoors.
2. Maintain your plumbing: Regularly check your home’s plumbing for leaks and repair them promptly to minimize water waste and unintended phosphorus release.
3. Educate others: Share information about the link between public water supply treatments and phosphorus Pollution with friends, family, and neighbors. Encourage them to adopt sustainable water use practices.
4. Advocate for better water management: Reach out to your local representatives and advocate for improved water management strategies that consider the potential environmental impact of phosphate dosing.
5. Support environmental organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems affected by phosphorus Pollution.

By taking these actions, we can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment and help prevent unintended consequences of water treatment practices. Together, we can make a positive impact on our local ecosystems and promote a more sustainable future.

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