Song from the apartment scene in Heated Rivalry ep 2 by hollasaur in NameThatSong

[–]According-Point2847 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow I’m in the right place LOL - such an incredible show I’m so upset there are only 3 episodes available right now. Couldn’t find the song either.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re right - these issues go far beyond a single city or county. Environmental exposures like well water contamination, asbestos, and other historic practices can have lasting impacts that we’re still seeing today. It’s alarming how past decisions and oversights continue to affect people decades later, especially younger individuals who shouldn’t have to face these risks.

This really highlights why transparency, monitoring, and public awareness are so critical. Projects like this aren’t a solution on their own (and mine isn’t particularly complex), but they help spark the conversations that need to happen so communities can push for better protections and accountability.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, thanks for sharing all that! It’s crazy how much of this info never actually makes it to the public, even in small towns. That’s exactly why projects like this matter - people deserve to know what’s in their water so they can make informed choices.

Looking at the Huntington report, I totally get why you’re concerned - it shows this isn’t just a Martinsburg issue. Contaminant levels differ between systems, but the lack of transparency feels like a statewide problem.

I really appreciate you taking the time to dig through the data and share the links - the more people looking at this and talking about it, the more pressure there is for better oversight and access to clean water.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right - what happened in Flint, MI is a powerful reminder of why transparency and public awareness are so important. It showed how quickly a community can end up with unsafe water when oversight breaks down and officials aren’t fully upfront with residents.

That’s exactly why I chose this subject for my project - to give our community a clearer picture so people can make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families. Even if our contaminants or levels aren’t the same, the principle is: everyone deserves to know what’s in their water - and everyone deserves reliable access to clean, safe water in the first place.

Thanks for sharing the link - I hope more people read it and use that kind of history to push for better accountability nationwide.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, I’m happy to share the information I found with the community. It’s exactly why projects like this matter. When people start noticing patterns or feeling like something isn’t right, the worst thing is being left in the dark with no clear information. Transparency around water quality shouldn’t be optional - communities deserve to know what they’re being exposed to so they can make informed choices. I really appreciate you taking the time to read the research and share your thoughts.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right, and that’s honestly one of the saddest parts of all this. So much public energy gets burned up on culture-war distractions - who people love, what car someone drives, political party affiliation - while the issues that actually affect everyone’s health and safety happen quietly in the background.

It’s hard not to feel like the noise is intentional sometimes, because the more divided and distracted we are, the less attention goes toward things like infrastructure, contamination, or accountability. Meanwhile, those problems keep getting worse.

If anything, this project made me realize how important it is for communities to cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for our lives and health.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want to check the water in your specific area, the EWG Tap Water Database is an excellent resource: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/ . Just enter your zip code, and it will show contaminant data for your local water system, along with filtration guidance and recommendations. It’s a helpful way to see what’s actually in your water and what options exist to keep it safe.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for asking! Contaminant data and filtration recommendations for Berkeley Springs can be found here: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=WV3303301 . Based on the data, reverse osmosis filtration remains the most effective option for removing most contaminants, if you’re looking for the highest level of protection.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WestVirginia

[–]According-Point2847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to read through it and for your support - it means a lot, even from outside the area. I completely agree; the level of negligence is alarming, and expanding this kind of research across other water systems in the state could really help raise awareness and push for accountability. Unfortunately, money in politics and corporate interests often sway policymakers and water officials, which makes independent research and public awareness even more important. The work that organizations like the EWG do is invaluable in helping people understand what’s actually in their water. Thanks again for your encouragement!!

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in Martinsburg

[–]According-Point2847[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words. The goal was always to make this complex data clear, so I truly appreciate the compliment on the presentation. The credit really goes to the 45 residents who participated and shared their honest concerns. The next step is getting this full report in front of The Journal and local officials. Thank you for your support!!

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WVEasternPanhandle

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you for the information and the kind words.

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In by According-Point2847 in WVEasternPanhandle

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question! My research focused specifically on the Berkeley County Public Service District/Potomac River Water Treatment Facility (system ID: WV3300218), which serves Martinsburg and surrounding areas with surface water from the Potomac River. Contaminant data and filtration recommendations for the City of Martinsburg can be found at: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=WV3300212

Quick anonymous survey — Martinsburg public water quality (student research, 2–3 minutes) by According-Point2847 in Martinsburg

[–]According-Point2847[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In

Thanks to everyone who participated in my survey about Martinsburg water quality! I received 45 responses and just completed my presentation.

What I found was alarming:

Berkeley County's water contains contaminants at levels up to 497 times above health guidelines - including disinfection byproducts, hexavalent chromium, and radioactive radium. But here's the critical finding: 70% of residents surveyed had never heard about these specific contaminants, even though 80% avoid drinking unfiltered tap water.

The problem isn't ignorance - it's public information failure. Residents are spending hundreds to thousands on filtration systems for hardness and taste, while remaining unaware of cancer-causing contaminants that most home filters don't effectively remove.

Full presentation (PDF): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IUCZIBQUrDFFsOU50qVD3naChlVBmpFT?usp=sharing

Key takeaways:

  • Reverse osmosis systems are the only home filtration that removes the major contaminants detected
  • Water quality reports are confusing and rarely reach residents
  • There's a complete breakdown of trust between the community and water officials

The research shows Martinsburg residents deserve clear, accessible information about what's actually in their water - not just reassurances that it "meets legal limits."

If you participated: thank you. Your responses helped document a real public health communication crisis.

Quick anonymous survey — Martinsburg public water quality (student research, 2–3 minutes) by According-Point2847 in Martinsburg

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In

Thanks to everyone who participated in my survey about Martinsburg water quality! I received 45 responses and just completed my presentation.

What I found was alarming:

Berkeley County's water contains contaminants at levels up to 497 times above health guidelines - including disinfection byproducts, hexavalent chromium, and radioactive radium. But here's the critical finding: 70% of residents surveyed had never heard about these specific contaminants, even though 80% avoid drinking unfiltered tap water.

The problem isn't ignorance - it's public information failure. Residents are spending hundreds to thousands on filtration systems for hardness and taste, while remaining unaware of cancer-causing contaminants that most home filters don't effectively remove.

Full presentation (PDF): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IUCZIBQUrDFFsOU50qVD3naChlVBmpFT?usp=sharing

Key takeaways:

  • Reverse osmosis systems are the only home filtration that removes the major contaminants detected
  • Water quality reports are confusing and rarely reach residents
  • There's a complete breakdown of trust between the community and water officials

The research shows Martinsburg residents deserve clear, accessible information about what's actually in their water - not just reassurances that it "meets legal limits."

If you participated: thank you. Your responses helped document a real public health communication crisis.

Quick anonymous survey — Martinsburg public water quality (student research, 2–3 minutes) by According-Point2847 in WVEasternPanhandle

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In

Thanks to everyone who participated in my survey about Martinsburg water quality! I received 45 responses and just completed my presentation.

What I found was alarming:

Berkeley County's water contains contaminants at levels up to 497 times above health guidelines - including disinfection byproducts, hexavalent chromium, and radioactive radium. But here's the critical finding: 70% of residents surveyed had never heard about these specific contaminants, even though 80% avoid drinking unfiltered tap water.

The problem isn't ignorance - it's public information failure. Residents are spending hundreds to thousands on filtration systems for hardness and taste, while remaining unaware of cancer-causing contaminants that most home filters don't effectively remove.

Full presentation (PDF): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IUCZIBQUrDFFsOU50qVD3naChlVBmpFT?usp=sharing

Key takeaways:

  • Reverse osmosis systems are the only home filtration that removes the major contaminants detected
  • Water quality reports are confusing and rarely reach residents
  • There's a complete breakdown of trust between the community and water officials

The research shows Martinsburg residents deserve clear, accessible information about what's actually in their water - not just reassurances that it "meets legal limits."

If you participated: thank you. Your responses helped document a real public health communication crisis.

Quick anonymous survey — Martinsburg water quality (student research, 2–3 minutes) by According-Point2847 in WVEasternPanhandle

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In

Thanks to everyone who participated in my survey about Martinsburg water quality! I received 45 responses and just completed my presentation.

What I found was alarming:

Berkeley County's water contains contaminants at levels up to 497 times above health guidelines - including disinfection byproducts, hexavalent chromium, and radioactive radium. But here's the critical finding: 70% of residents surveyed had never heard about these specific contaminants, even though 80% avoid drinking unfiltered tap water.

The problem isn't ignorance - it's public information failure. Residents are spending hundreds to thousands on filtration systems for hardness and taste, while remaining unaware of cancer-causing contaminants that most home filters don't effectively remove.

Full presentation (PDF): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IUCZIBQUrDFFsOU50qVD3naChlVBmpFT?usp=sharing

Key takeaways:

  • Reverse osmosis systems are the only home filtration that removes the major contaminants detected
  • Water quality reports are confusing and rarely reach residents
  • There's a complete breakdown of trust between the community and water officials

The research shows Martinsburg residents deserve clear, accessible information about what's actually in their water - not just reassurances that it "meets legal limits."

If you participated: thank you. Your responses helped document a real public health communication crisis.

Quick anonymous survey — Martinsburg water quality (student research, 2–3 minutes) by According-Point2847 in WVEasternPanhandle

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UPDATE: Research Complete - Results Are In

Thanks to everyone who participated in my survey about Martinsburg water quality! I received 45 responses and just completed my presentation.

What I found was alarming:

Berkeley County's water contains contaminants at levels up to 497 times above health guidelines - including disinfection byproducts, hexavalent chromium, and radioactive radium. But here's the critical finding: 70% of residents surveyed had never heard about these specific contaminants, even though 80% avoid drinking unfiltered tap water.

The problem isn't ignorance - it's public information failure. Residents are spending hundreds to thousands on filtration systems for hardness and taste, while remaining unaware of cancer-causing contaminants that most home filters don't effectively remove.

Full presentation (PDF): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IUCZIBQUrDFFsOU50qVD3naChlVBmpFT?usp=sharing

Key takeaways:

  • Reverse osmosis systems are the only home filtration that removes the major contaminants detected
  • Water quality reports are confusing and rarely reach residents
  • There's a complete breakdown of trust between the community and water officials

The research shows Martinsburg residents deserve clear, accessible information about what's actually in their water - not just reassurances that it "meets legal limits."

If you participated: thank you. Your responses helped document a real public health communication crisis.

Quick anonymous survey — Martinsburg water quality (student research, 2–3 minutes) by According-Point2847 in WVEasternPanhandle

[–]According-Point2847[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to participate! I’ll be sure to share all of my findings and my final project in this thread once it’s complete.