Why kids face the greatest danger from polluted water

Imagine standing in your kitchen late at night, measuring out powdered formula into a bottle. You turn on the tap, trusting that what flows out is clean and safe.

But for millions of families, that trust isn’t guaranteed. Children are more vulnerable to contaminated water than adults, and the risks are often invisible.

“We must have clean water and the health and welfare of our children is at stake and is at risk”

Erin Brockovich

Water touches every part of a child’s life. They drink it. Bathe in it. Eat food prepared with it. Because their bodies are smaller and still developing, they absorb more contaminants pound for pound than adults do.

That means even low levels of lead, nitrates, or bacteria can have outsized effects.

Fun Fact:

A baby drinking formula mixed with tap water consumes nearly 10 times as much water per body weight as an adult.

Lead exposure is especially harmful for young brains. Even small amounts can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavior problems that last a lifetime.

Arsenic in water has been linked to increased cancer risk and neurological damage. Bacteria and parasites like E. coli and Giardia can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, which can quickly become dangerous in infants.

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future”

John F. Kennedy

Clean water isn’t only about hydration. It’s the foundation of good nutrition.

Infants fed formula mixed with contaminated water can ingest harmful levels of nitrates and bacteria. For toddlers, rinsing fruits and vegetables in polluted water adds an unexpected risk to every meal.

In homes with unsafe tap water, even washing bottles and dishes can expose children to contaminants.

You don’t have to be a water expert to protect your family. Start here:

• Test your tap water. Many local health departments offer free or low-cost kits.
• Use certified filters that are proven to remove lead, nitrates, and bacteria.
• Flush your pipes. Let the water run for 30 seconds in the morning before filling bottles.
• Wash produce with filtered or bottled water when contamination is suspected.

Small changes can add up to big peace of mind.