The impact of drinking water quality on the health of older Americans and inequality

Drinking Water Quality, the Health of Older Americans, and Inequality

NIH-funded research National Bureau of Economic Research · NIH-10991377

This study looks at how dirty drinking water impacts the health of older adults, especially those with ongoing health issues, and it aims to find out if improving water treatment facilities can help make their water safer and healthier.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNational Bureau of Economic Research NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-10991377 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how drinking water pollution affects the health of older Americans, particularly those with chronic conditions. It aims to understand the implications of federal loans designed to upgrade drinking water treatment facilities and how these improvements can reduce pollution levels. By analyzing data from various communities, the study will assess the health outcomes related to drinking water quality and the economic factors influencing access to safe water. The findings could inform policies to ensure that vulnerable populations receive safe and affordable drinking water.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those living in communities with known drinking water quality issues or chronic health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger and do not have chronic health conditions or those living in areas with already high-quality drinking water may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved drinking water quality and better health outcomes for older Americans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improvements in drinking water quality can lead to significant health benefits, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions burden of disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.