As of my last update in September 2021, there have been various reports of regions in the United States facing challenges with polluted sources of drinking water. However, it's important to note that water quality can change over time due to factors such as environmental regulations, industrial activities, and natural variations. Some areas that have faced issues with polluted drinking water sources include:
1. **Flint, Michigan:** Perhaps one of the most well-known cases, Flint faced a severe water crisis when lead from aging pipes leached into the city's water supply. This led to elevated lead levels in drinking water and garnered significant attention.
2. **Central Valley, California:** Certain agricultural regions, like the Central Valley in California, have faced water contamination due to pesticides and fertilizers used in farming that can seep into groundwater sources.
3. **Industrial Regions:** Areas with heavy industrial activity, such as parts of the Rust Belt (including parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia), have experienced water pollution due to discharges from factories and industries.
4. **Coal Mining Areas:** Some regions with coal mining activities, like parts of Appalachia, have faced issues with water contamination from runoff and waste from mining operations.
5. **Urban Areas with Aging Infrastructure:** Older urban areas across the U.S. can have challenges with aging water infrastructure that can lead to lead or other contaminants leaching into the water supply.
6. **Agricultural Runoff Areas:** Various agricultural regions around the country have dealt with contamination from runoff carrying pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste into water sources.
7. **Fracking Areas:** Regions with hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas extraction have raised concerns about potential water contamination from the chemicals used in the process.
It's important to note that addressing water pollution is an ongoing effort, and many communities and organizations are actively working to improve water quality through better regulations, infrastructure upgrades, and pollution prevention measures. For the most current and specific information about polluted drinking water sources, it's recommended to refer to reports from local and federal environmental agencies.