Dr. Heather Murphy, a professor in the Ontario Veterinary College’s Department of Pathobiology, discussed the misconceptions surrounding groundwater as a drinking water source with the Associated Press, in an article that appeared in dozens of publications including The Seattle Times.  

Murphy said drinking untreated water from private wells leads to around 1.3 million cases of acute gastrointestinal illness in the U.S.: “There’s a big misconception that it’s underground, therefore it’s safe.” 

With a background in engineering, Murphy studies quality and distribution of both drinking and recreational water, as well as water and wastewater treatment and environmental health.