Water resiliency programs directly help individual households - Land-Grant Impacts

cup being filled with water from a sink tap

Water resiliency programs directly help individual households

Nutrition and Health, Story 2025, Community Development/Engagement, Ecosystem Services, Extension, Human Nutrition/Health/Wellness, New Hampshire, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Research, The Pennsylvania State University, University of New Hampshire, Water Resilience/Management

Water quality is a growing concern due to pollutants in streams, ponds, wetlands and groundwater. Extension programs in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire have successfully raised awareness and promoted remediation.

The Pennsylvania State University Water Resources Extension Team created the Safe Drinking Water Clinic, reaching 4,800 people annually. These clinics help identify health and aesthetic standards violations, leading to long-term cost savings. Free water tests revealed 173 EPA health standards violations and 191 aesthetic standards violations, including coliform bacteria and sodium. Other risks included nitrates, arsenic, lead, copper, manganese and E. coli.

Forty percent of participants discovered health-related issues with their drinking water, and within 12 months, 72% took action to protect their supply. Improvements in one home can positively impact surrounding homes.

Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See the full statement.

The New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station is focusing on cost-effective home systems to remove PFAS, which are harmful pollutants linked to cancer and immune issues. Research highlights the financial and logistical challenges municipalities face with widespread PFAS contamination.

An online study showed residents are willing to pay for PFAS removal, aligning with home system costs. Targeted home systems can reduce PFAS levels more affordably than municipal treatments, even with subsidized filters, easing the financial burden on municipalities.

Project supported by Hatch Multistate funds. See the full statement.

Photo courtesy of New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station.

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