The Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia (OPC) is pleased to contribute to The Washington Informer’s Sustainability Supplement in observance of Earth Day. As “Planet vs Plastics” is the theme of the 2024 observance of Earth Day, we welcome this opportunity to share some critical points and recommendations about plastics use.
Plastic waste presents a growing challenge to water utilities across the globe, and the District of Columbia is no exception. We here at the Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia, are deeply concerned about the harmful impacts of plastics on our water systems and their broader implications for public health, environmental sustainability, and economic equity. The pervasive presence of microplastics in our water sources and the physical damage to water infrastructure caused by larger plastics demand immediate attention and action.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size, have become abundant contaminants in waterbodies worldwide, including the Potomac River, from where the District’s drinking water is drawn. These particles originate from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing. Once in the water supply, microplastics pose a significant challenge for water utilities tasked with providing safe, drinking water to the community. The process of treating water to remove these minuscule particles is both complex and costly, contributing to rising operational expenses for water utilities like DC Water. This, in turn, raises consumers’ water bills, with the burden of higher rates falling disproportionately on our most vulnerable residents.
In addition to littering our waterways, larger plastic items can cause physical damage to water infrastructure. Items such as plastic bags, bottles, and wrappers can clog pipes and pumps, leading to operational disruptions and requiring costly repairs and maintenance. The tangible impact of such incidents not only hampers the efficiency of our water utilities but also contributes to increased utility costs that are ultimately borne by consumers.
The contamination of water sources by plastics also underscores the urgent need to reassess our reliance on bottled water – which is one of the top sources of plastic pollution. It’s a common misconception that bottled water is safer or of higher quality than tap water. Annual studies have consistently shown that the District’s tap water meets or exceeds all federal and state water quality standards. In fact, many water bottlers use municipal water for their bottled water. Moreover, beyond the environmental toll of single-use plastics production, buying bottled water perpetuates a cycle of unnecessary purchases for consumers and generates plastic pollution that will linger in our environment for centuries.
As we navigate these challenges, OPC emphasizes the need for a collective effort to mitigate the impact of plastic waste on our water utilities and environment. This includes advocating for policies and practices that reduce the production and use of single-use plastics, encouraging consumers to opt for reusable alternatives, and supporting research and innovation in water treatment technologies to effectively address microplastic contamination.
Furthermore, OPC advocates for increased local and federal investment in water infrastructure to enhance resilience against physical damage caused by large plastic objects and to ensure the continued provision of safe yet affordable water services. This includes both local initiatives and broader national regulatory reforms to hold producers – not utility ratepayers – accountable for the environmental impacts of their products and to promote sustainable consumption patterns among the public.Ultimately, the threats to our water utilities posed by ever-growing plastic waste encompass a broader challenge that transcends getting safe and clean water to our communities. They touch on the core principles of environmental stewardship, public health protection, and economic equity. OPC is committed to continuing to work alongside DC Water, community stakeholders, and policymakers to address these challenges head-on.
Together, we can forge a path toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all District residents while safeguarding our vital water resources from the pervasive threat of plastic pollution.