By Nicolai Morford-Oberst, Biochemistry Major, Mentor Sebastian Medina.
Climate change is a leading driver of increased contaminant exposure in communities across New Mexico and around the world. These impacts include more frequent and severe wildfires, intensified flooding, and other extreme weather events that can mobilize and redistribute environmental contaminants. These changes can directly affect local water systems, contributing to increased concentrations of arsenic, manganese, and other metals, as well as pollutants introduced through runoff, fire ash, and flooding. This is especially important in New Mexico, where some regions have already experienced major climate-driven impacts such as drought, wildfire, and post-fire flooding.This information is often conveyed through water quality reports, which can be difficult for non-scientific audiences to understand because they are filled with technical language and regulatory standards. As a result, a communication gap emerges between scientific data and the public’s understanding of local environmental health risks. This project will develop an interactive website designed to bridge that communication gap by providing clear, accessible information about water contamination to communities directly affected by these risks. Rather than telling communities what to think, the platform will offer straightforward explanations in plain language about specific contaminants, their sources, potential health impacts, how climate change influences exposure patterns, and practical strategies to reduce risk. It will also help users better understand the difference between regulated public water systems and private, unregulated well water, which is common in many parts of New Mexico and is not subject to routine federal monitoring requirements. By making scientific information more accessible and understandable, this project will empower communities with the knowledge needed to better interpret water quality data and understand potential risks. Ultimately, the goal is to strengthen the connection between environmental research and the communities most affected by these environmental changes.