A perfect storm of unsound agricultural regulation, dwindling populations, and old infrastructure is ravaging small water systems across rural America and endangering public health. In the United States, almost 60 thousand community water systems serve 93 percent of people living in areas with populations fewer than 10,000—67 percent serving populations of 500 or less. In 2015, 9% presented violations of water quality standards, exposing 21 million people to the dangers of drinking contaminated water. These violations are more likely to occur in rural locations where financially challenged communities have trouble maintaining their systems.
