In this article, we will discuss the 25 US cities with cleanest air and water. If you want to skip our discussion on the overall environmental conditions in the US, you can go directly to the 5 US Cities with Cleanest Air and Water.
According to IQAir US, the air quality in the United States was rated as “good” compared to other countries in 2022. The US Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 37, positioning it 99th out of 131 countries in the global ranking. The air quality challenges are not uniform within the United States itself. Some US cities, like Bellingham, enjoy air quality on par with the cities with the best air quality in the world. On the other hand, there are some US cities with the worst air quality, often due to specific regional challenges. For instance, the release of soot from wildfires in California often results in extremely hazardous air quality conditions in the area. Tragically, in 2020, these wildfires led to approximately 1,200 deaths and caused 4,800 emergency room visits due to breathing difficulties. Due to the severity of this issue, efforts are being made to control the harmful impact of wildfires, with an allocation of $1 billion for fire management as of 2021. Meanwhile, reports have brought to light concerns regarding Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) industrial facility located in Pennsylvania, which holds the distinction of being permitted as the second-largest emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In September 2022, even before regular operations began, the plant emitted a significant 510.89 tons of VOCs, alarmingly close to its annual limit of 516.2 tons. Furthermore, in subsequent months, the plant consistently exceeded its 12-month permit limits, indicating a pattern of emissions surpassing legal allowances. While economic growth in sectors such as fossil fuels and agriculture can have positive effects on the economy, this development often comes at the cost of increased air pollution. Nature enthusiasts seeking cleaner environments can check out the 20 Best US Cities for Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 7.2 million Americans get sick annually due to water-borne diseases. Moreover, over 3.5 million Americans experience health issues such as skin rashes, respiratory infections, and hepatitis due to exposure to contaminated coastal waters every year. A study by the US Geological Survey revealed that nearly half of the United States tap water may contain traces of chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” The actual concentration level may even be higher as the study only looked at 32 per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), while the National Institutes of Health has identified over 12,000 PFAS. These chemicals have been linked with diseases like liver damage, cancer, and high cholesterol. The increase in water-borne diseases has also led multiple healthcare companies like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) to invest more in their drug pipelines.
Many companies are actively taking steps to eliminate or reduce their contributions to air and water pollution. This reflects a growing awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. For instance, Ikea, one of the leading home furnishings retailers, has undertaken many initiatives to combat air pollution over the years. Notably, as a co-founder of the Alliance for Clean Air, Ikea plays an active role in initiatives aimed at enhancing air quality. The company has also launched the “Better Air Now” program, which aims to utilize rice straw residue for both packaging materials and bioenergy production. Similarly, in 2022, Adidas partnered with Parley to combat water pollution. They produced 15 million pairs of shoes from recycled coastal plastic waste and aimed to increase production to 17 million pairs in 2021.
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Our Methodology
To shortlist the 25 US cities with cleanest air and water, we referred to multiple reputable sources, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Lung Association, and the Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) database. The primary metric for shortlisting these cities was the American Lung Association’s year-round particle pollution data. The cities have been ranked in descending order of their pollution levels as of 2021. The water quality scores have been obtained from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Information System and CCR database. For cities with no water quality score, we referred to individual city reports to get information regarding compliance with health standards. With this context in mind, let’s take a look at the air and water quality by city in the USA.
US Cities with Cleanest Air and Water
25. Rochester, NY
Population: 210,606
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.6µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 72.9
Rochester maintains relatively good air quality, with an annual particle pollution below the national average. The city’s water quality is generally high, with efforts to safeguard its water sources like Lake Ontario. In 2022, the fluoride levels in the city’s water supply were maintained within 0.1mg/L of the CDC’s recommended guidelines.
24. Lincoln, NE
Population: 293,657
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.6µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 76.9
Lincoln stands out for its low levels of air pollution due to its location in the Great Plains region. The city’s water mainly comes from groundwater sources that meet strict quality standards.
23. Celina, OH
Population: 10,898
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.6µg/m3
Celina is situated alongside Grand Lake, a valuable water body. Various measures are taken to preserve the quality of the lake water, prioritizing the well-being of the residents. In the year 2018, Celina generated approximately 790,923 gallons of water, with a minimal loss of 22%. The city adheres to strict guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency.
22. Johnson City, TN
Population: 71,278
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.6µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 98 (as per Johnson City Water Department)
Johnson City enjoys the advantage of clean air quality within the Appalachian region, characterized by minimal pollution. The city’s water supply also complies with the stringent safety standards established by the EPA.
21. Bismarck, ND
Population: 74,134
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.5µg/m3
Bismarck benefits from its position in the northern plains, which results in low levels of air pollution. The city’s water is sourced from the Missouri River and is treated to meet strict standards set by EPA. The pH level of drinking water in North Dakota is 7.50.
20. Rochester, MN
Population: 121,465
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.3µg/m3
Rochester is a relatively small and well-planned city with limited industrial pollution, resulting in clean and fresh air. The city’s water quality is sourced mainly from deep groundwater wells, and chlorine is used to disinfect it. A chlorine concentration of 0.8 ppm is maintained while over 1,000 tests are conducted to keep residual chlorine in check.
19. Greenville, NC
Population: 88,728
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.3µg/m3
Greenville has generally good air quality, with pollution levels within acceptable limits. Furthermore, in 2022, Greenville Water collected 27,887 samples of water and conducted 113,930 tests to ensure the water meets the federal and state drinking water standards.
18. Syracuse, NY
Population: 146,103
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.2µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 69.9
Syracuse has actively been taking measures to restrict pollutants in the city. Meanwhile, the city’s water comes from the Finger Lakes region and is strictly monitored according to federal and Utah state laws.
17. Lynchburg, VA
Population: 79,009
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.1µg/m3
Lynchburg maintains good air quality, with minimal air pollution, due to its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city also maintains high water quality standards, conducting 130,000 tests each year for seventy types of contaminants.
16. Lubbock, TX
Population: 260,993
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 6.0µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 72.1
Lubbock enjoys clean air quality due to its expansive, open spaces and minimal air pollution. The city places a strong emphasis on maintaining excellent water quality, treating its water supply sourced from the underground Ogallala Aquifer to ensure that residents have access to safe and clean drinking water.
15. Midland, TX
Population: 131,325
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.9µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 83.1
Midland has secured the fifteenth position on our list of the 25 US cities with cleanest air and water. The city obtains its water supply from underground sources, further contributing to its commitment to providing residents access to clean and safe water.
14. Asheville, NC
Population: 94,067
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.9µg/m3
Asheville benefits from the clean mountain air, resulting in generally high air quality. The city also has high water quality, which is mainly sourced from mountain springs. Its water supply meets EPA’s strict water regulations. Asheville is amongst the first few cities that started installing lead-free brass fittings, further ensuring the safety of its water supply.
13. Grand Junction, CO
Population: 66,964
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.8µg/m3
Grand Junction has clean air quality due to its location near Western Colorado. The city also maintains high water quality, drawing water from the Colorado River and treating it to give its residents safe drinking water. The water is regularly tested for the presence of any contaminants.
12. Elmira, NY
Population: 26,523
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.8µg/m3
Elmira is located in the Southern Tier region of New York, which experiences limited air pollution. Elmira’s drinking water also meets EPA’s regulations.
11. Salisbury, MD
Population: 45,000
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.6µg/m3
Salisbury, located on the Delmarva Peninsula, enjoys low levels of air pollution. The city prioritizes water quality, as demonstrated by its efforts in 2021. The city tested for more contaminants than advised by the EPA to help the agency decide if standards should be set for these contaminants. Additionally, Salisbury reduced the fluoride levels in its water supply to 0.7 from 1.0 in 2015 to prevent tooth decay.
10. Colorado Springs, CO
Population: 483,956
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.6µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 75.1
Colorado Springs is known for its clean mountain air. The city also has high water quality, sourcing water from mountain streams and treating it to ensure safety.
9. Amarillo, TX
Population: 201,234
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.6µg/m3
Water Quality Score: 64.8
Amarillo is located in the plains of the Texas Panhandle. The city maintains its water quality by implementing strict regulations while sourcing underground water. The city’s 2022 water quality report revealed that Amarillo currently has the capacity to treat and supply 121 million gallons of water daily.
8. Duluth, MN
Population: 86,697
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.4µg/m3
Duluth benefits from fresh and clean air due to its location near Lake Superior. The city also prioritizes water quality, sourcing its water supply from Lake Superior. According to the 2022 water report, no contaminants, including lead and copper, were found in the city’s water supply that exceeded the federal water drinking standards.
7. St. George, UT
Population: 99,958
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 5.3µg/m3
St. George has clear desert air, offering residents excellent air quality. The city also has good water quality, drawing water from local sources and implementing regulations to ensure its safety. According to the EPA, the city’s drinking water in 2022 complied with federal health-based drinking water standards.
6. Bellingham, WA
Population: 92,289
Annual Particle Pollution (2019-2021): 4.7µg/ m3
Bellingham is dedicated to ensuring high water quality, sourcing water from protected mountain watersheds. The increase in water-borne diseases has led multiple healthcare companies like Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), and AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) to invest more in their drug pipelines. The city takes strict actions to address any contaminants in water, with the staff instructed to report any issues within 24 hours. Due to this commitment, the city has received a TOP gold award for 10 years of optimized treatment of surface water.
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Disclosure: None. 25 US Cities with Cleanest Air and Water is originally published on Insider Monkey.
