Wildfires jeopardize drinking water safety | Science

Nearly half a billion people globally have experienced wildfires within 1 km of their homes over the past two decades (1). In addition to damaging ecosystems (2), wildfires contaminate drinking water distribution systems, which poses substantial and escalating public health risks. Authorities in areas of recent wildfires, such as the 2025 Los Angeles fires (3), should ensure that drinking water is safe by monitoring and mitigating contamination in water distribution systems.