Public health in the next century

Clean, accessible, potable water will continue to be a major factor in maintaining public health in the next century. The 21st century will present an additional challenges to maintaining the strides that have been made in improving public health. People are living longer, with more complex illnesses that compromise their immune systems and that may necessitate consumption of water that is free of almost all traces of contaminants that might be allowable for healthier consumers. Analytical technology is being refined to the point that traces of contaminants at the parts-per-trillion level or lower are being detected. The drinking water profession will be challenged to work with researchers, universities, and private industries to resolve these issues.