The 2023 data on water violations across the United States reveals significant disparities among states in adhering to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements. Pennsylvania stands out with a staggering 24,525 violations, far surpassing any other state. This high number could indicate systemic issues in water management or reporting within the state. Texas follows with 15,340 violations, suggesting similar challenges. On the other end of the spectrum, Hawaii reports only 2 violations, highlighting its effective water management practices. States like Virginia and New York also report high numbers, with 7,473 and 6,743 violations respectively, indicating potential areas of concern. The data suggests a geographical pattern, with many states in the Midwest and South, such as Missouri and Florida, also showing high violation numbers. This pattern may reflect regional challenges in water quality management, possibly due to industrial activities or agricultural runoff. The chart categorizes violations into health-based, monitoring and reporting, and other violations, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of water quality issues. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy adjustments to address the specific challenges faced by states with high violation numbers, ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.
