HPIO brief explores link between water quality and health

Earlier this week, HPIO released a new policy brief titled, Connections between water quality and health.

The brief focuses on the importance of clean water and the many effects that water pollution and deteriorating infrastructure can have on health throughout life, highlighting data and information for policymakers to improve Ohio’s water quality, including:

• How poor water quality affects health
• Which Ohioans are most affected by poor water quality
• What Ohio has done to address water quality and additional steps the state can take

Despite Ohio having thousands of public water systems serving Ohioans across the state, not every Ohioan has complete access to running water, as illustrated above. In 2021, 124,761 homes (2.4% of homes in Ohio) lacked hot and cold running water and/or a bathtub or shower (i.e., complete plumbing facilities). Lack of complete plumbing was the worst in Appalachian communities, with 4% of homes (35,495 homes) lacking complete access.

HPIO will be hosting a 30-minute webinar on the findings of the brief on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11 am. For more information or to register, visit: https://www.healthpolicyohio.org/events.

This project was made possible through the generous support of the SC Ministry Foundation, which promotes the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, as well as HPIO’s core funders.