Unsafe Water Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Raise Concerns
In Utah, Colt Smith, who has worked for 14 years with the Division of Drinking Water, encountered alarming water quality issues at a local mobile home park. Residents had been using contaminated well water that contained arsenic levels up to ten times higher than federal limits. This led state officials to issue a do-not-drink order that lasted nearly a decade.
Smith expressed frustration over the lack of oversight. “We had no idea it existed,” he said, referring to the mobile home parks that often slip through the regulatory cracks. Despite the existence of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which was designed to protect American drinking water from harmful substances, many residents in mobile home parks are left vulnerable.
A recent investigation revealed that nearly 70% of mobile home parks managing their own water systems violated safe drinking water rules within the last five years. This violation rate is notably higher than that of municipal water utilities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes this issue, but comprehensive data on these parks remains limited.
In some cases, mobile home parks source their water from municipal systems, but infrastructure problems can lead to contamination before the water reaches residents. The lack of mandatory testing requirements often leaves issues unaddressed.
Utah stands out as one of the few states enforcing its own water safety regulations for these parks. Smith noted the historical assumption that clean water sources would ensure safety at the tap, but this has proven to be misguided.
The Plight of Mobile Home Residents
Many residents in mobile home parks face serious water quality concerns. In some communities, raw sewage has backed up into homes, while others struggle with discolored water that resembles tea or coffee. The situation has become so dire in some areas, like California, where families stockpile bottled water out of fear of arsenic contamination.
Approximately 17 million Americans live in mobile homes. Many view these residences as a step toward homeownership, despite facing precarious living conditions. Residents often find themselves “halfway homeowners,” tied financially to their property while at the mercy of landlords, resulting in a lack of maintenance and support.
Pamela Maxey, a resident from Kalamazoo, Michigan, described her struggles with unreliable water in her park. After moving into a hotel, she realized how important dependable, clean water really is.
Structural Issues and Regulatory Gaps
The U.S. has around 50,000 water utilities, predominantly serving smaller towns and rural areas. Mobile home parks frequently violate clean water rules and often lack the necessary resources for proper oversight. The recent data shows that more than half of these parks have not conducted required tests for contaminants. This inconsistency highlights the need for better regulation and monitoring.
Regulatory agencies fail to capture the complete scope of violations in mobile home parks due to poor tracking mechanisms. Unregulated parks are especially concerning, as many lack adequate oversight entirely.
In Colorado, new legislation requiring water testing in mobile home parks uncovered numerous parks with unknown water sources—the situation unveiled the extent of the problem.
Aging Infrastructure and Future Solutions
Many parks use aging infrastructure that compounds water quality issues, even when the initial source is clean. Poorly installed pipes can worsen water conditions, leading to contamination from other sources. Industry experts note that the disorganized layout of pipes in these parks increases the risk of issues.
However, there are pathways for residents. Local health departments can provide assistance, and advocacy has begun to yield results. Colorado recently implemented stricter rules aimed at improving water quality, demonstrating that change is possible.
Utah’s proactive stance on water regulations shows that solutions exist. Smith highlights a shared community commitment to clean water as a unifying goal that transcends political divides.
The challenges surrounding water quality in mobile home parks are significant, but with concerted efforts and stronger regulations, it doesn’t have to stay this way. Ultimately, ensuring access to clean water should be a shared priority for all communities.
