"What's on Tap: American Drinking Water
Survey" uncovered nearly 70 percent of Americans are worried about
their home water safety, and 60 percent have not tested for any
contaminants
ROSEMONT, Ill., July 10,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent
survey from Culligan, the global water treatment leader, the
majority of Americans are very concerned about the safety of their
water but lack clear solutions. "What's on Tap: American
Drinking Water Survey," a new consumer survey1
intended to benchmark Americans' understanding of and urgency to
address PFAS following the EPA legislation, uncovered a large
discrepancy between concern, understanding and concerted action.
Findings show only one in eight (12%) who believe PFAS were present
in their water could accurately explain the contaminants.
Furthermore, 96% have never tested for PFAS contamination in
their water at home.
PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' are long-lasting substances that
do not naturally break down. Undetectable by sight, smell, and
taste – and associated with health issues including cancer, liver
damage, and high cholesterol2, a U.S. Geological
survey estimates that PFAS affect almost half of U.S. tap
water supply.
"Those who work closely with water understand its complexities,
and how contaminants can impact health. While the EPA's new PFAS
regulations are a strong step forward to protect water, water
utilities don't have to comply until 2029. The complex nature
of PFAS paired with alarming headlines make it difficult to readily
understand what's in your water," said Scott Bartell, MS, PhD, University of California Irvine professor of
environmental and occupational health. "While local water
facilities evaluate and treat water to meet the new regulations,
leading experts can help people avoid PFAS and other contaminants
by testing and treating Americans' water right now, delivering
peace of mind as well as clean, safe water at home."
Survey findings exposed a need for greater understanding of
water quality and guidance on how to take control of it
confidently:
- Lack of PFAS Knowledge: While 89% of Americans know at
least one contaminant can be present in water, of those familiar
with PFAS, only 42% think the 'forever chemicals' are in their home
water.
- Say/Do Gap: Despite clean water being a top concern,
even among the 79% of people who say they are environmentally
conscious, only 12% test their water for PFAS.
- An Eagerness to Act: Broadly, 60% of consumers say it is
important to address potential water contaminants within the next
year, and 40% say they would do it immediately.
- Seeking Help: Of the 60% who have not had their home
water tested, 21% aren't sure how to, 18% aren't sure what to test
for, and only 7% have a water treatment product in place.
- False Sense of Security: People may believe they are
currently addressing contaminants with water filters. However, 1 in
3 Americans rely on refrigerator filters for in-home water
treatment, which do not necessarily reduce or eliminate PFAS
exposure3 and require regular maintenance to be
effective.
- Deeper Education is Necessary: Consumers need more
information to understand the impact of contaminants, especially
PFAS – to further encourage action. Culligan offers greater
guidance at https://www.culligan.com/blog/pfas-regulations-us.
"As water experts, we believe it's our responsibility to help
simplify the complex, concerning PFAS news," said Judd Larned, president, Culligan North America. "Our recent survey
confirmed Americans have heard of the contaminants but testing for
and addressing them seem daunting. Culligan experts are ready to be
your partners in testing, treating, and transforming your water.
Our innovative, certified products and unparalleled service ensure
that you can rely on us for safer, cleaner water."
Culligan gives people instant access to clean, safe,
better-tasting water with its unparalleled expertise. Learn more
at culligan.com/water-filtration and schedule an at-home
consultation with a Culligan expert to have your water tested and
learn about the solutions you can leverage to reduce contaminants
and ensure clean, safe, great-tasting water.
About Culligan International
Founded in 1936, Culligan
makes a real difference to people and to the planet by providing
clean, sustainable, great-tasting water and reducing reliance on
single-use plastic. Culligan is one of the world's most recognized
and trusted names in water, a reputation built through a legacy of
trust, innovation, service, and quality. The Culligan master brand
covers a family of iconic brands and innovative technologies that
include Quench, Blupura, Zip Water, Purezza Premium Water and
Firewall® UVC purification and that share a mission of
bringing better water to consumers anywhere they need it – in the
home, at work, at leisure or on-the-go. For more information, visit
culliganinternational.com.
1 Methodology: Culligan conducted a survey of
999 US adults on June 7-9, 2024. The
data has been weighted to a US nationally representative sample
population of 1000 adults 18 and over by age, gender and region.
These results reflect the weighted sample.
2 Environmental Protection Agency
3 Duke University
and North Carolina State
University Study
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SOURCE Culligan