Healthy Vinton: A Health Impact Assessment Focused on Water and Sanitation in a Small Rural Town on the U.S.-Mexico Border

Abstract

We conducted a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) focused on water and sanitation in Vinton, TX, a small rural town on the U.S./Mexico Border. We present the Vinton HIA as a case study to inform the practice of HIA in rural limited resource communities with higher than average levels of unemployment and poverty, and limited infrastructure. Household surveys, focus groups, and interviews provided quantitative and qualitative data on water sources and quality, sanitation practices, and community health. We found that some of the current water sources in Vinton did not meet drinking water standards for total dissolved solids and arsenic; the majority of septic tanks were not managed properly; and there was a short-term risk of water scarcity due to prolonged drought in the region. Prevalent ailments reported by participants included stomach problems, diarrhea, and skin problems. These ailments can be related to arsenic and/or biological organisms in water. The positive direct and indirect health impacts of improved water and sanitation in Vinton included: reduced gastrointestinal illnesses and skin disorders; improved water quality, quantity, and pressure; reduced risks from failing septic systems; increased property value; potential economic growth; and enhanced quality of life. The negative direct and indirect impacts included: residents’ initial and monthly costs; increased property taxes; increased debt by local government; and the need for ongoing support from changing elected decision makers. The unique challenges in completing this HIA included: (a) limited available data; (b) a culture of fear and distrust among residents; (c) residents’ lack of education, awareness, and civic discourse regarding water and sanitation issues and their impact on public health; and (d) lack of civic discourse and participation in the democratic process. An important outcome of the HIA was the characterization of local water supplies, which motivated and empowered the community members to become more involved in civic discourse concerning their water supplies. Results are transferable to similar low-income rural communities worldwide where residents are lacking in information about their water supplies and in political “voice”.

Boiling over: A Descriptive Analysis of Drinking Water Advisories in First Nations Communities in Ontario, Canada

“…We must therefore widen our view, and expand our efforts, from a focus on technical fixes towards a broader approach addressing issues related to water governance and acknowledging the social and ecological determinants of water provision, safety, and quality [ 55 , 56 , 57 ]. Researchers studying other marginalized and disadvantaged communities within developed nations have come to similar conclusions regarding the need to move beyond technical fixes and account for the role of social and ecological factors within the realm of water provision, safety, and quality (e.g., [ 58 , 59 ]). With regards to First Nations in Canada, fragmentation and source water protection are two priority water governance issues that should be addressed.…”

A comparison of arsenic exposure in young children and home water arsenic in two rural West Texas communities

“…The overall model was significant (F 1,74 = 22.25, p < .001; adj R 2 = 0.22; MSE = 0.12; CV = 68.23), and sum of squares for Community was significant (F = 22.25, p < 001). Corroborating findings from the original Health Impact Assessment [ 35 ], home water As levels of Community 1 were higher than Community 2.…”

“…Given this regional risk, a recent Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was conducted in a rural incorporated village supplied by the Rio Grande Aquifer, dependent on water from privately owned or domestic wells and without access to a municipal water supply [ 35 ]. Approximately half of water samples tested had As levels exceeding 10 μg/L.…”

“…The goal of current study was to test As blood levels in children from the village studied by the previous Health Impact Assessment [ 35 ]. We examined whether children living in the village dependent on well-water sources had higher blood As levels as compared to a demographically similar and geographically nearby population of children living in an unincorporated township using the municipal water supply.…”

A Review of Metal Exposure Studies Conducted in the Rural Southwestern and Mountain West Region of the United States

“…Sampling methods were conducted in a prospective fashion including one-time grab samples and repeat sample collection to observe seasonal variability. Chemical concentrations were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) – Optical Emissions Spectroscopy [15, 16, 19–21], ICP – Atomic Emissions Spectroscopy [15, 16, 19, 20], ICP – Mass Spectroscopy [13, 15–17, 19–24], or Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy [18]. Additionally, concentrations of As, U, chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and vanadium (V) were measured in mine waste, soil, sediment and other solid material using x-ray fluorescence [21, 22], X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy [21].…”