Create a project for your science class or health science class that explores the relationship between certain contaminants and documented cases of certain diseases. For example, a report from the National Acadamies in 2006 showed a link between trichloroethylene and cancer. When designing your project, focus on visual aids, such as maps that plot known cases of a particular disease and their proximity to dumping grounds or other areas with high levels of toxicity.
Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) define the highest amounts of contaminating elements allowed in public drinking water systems, according to EtoxNet. Create a research project that looks at the United States' current MCLs and why these MCLs were established. For your final presentation, create a visual or oral argument as to why the government should include certain other chemicals on the MCL list.
For a practical experiment on contaminants in drinking water, test the available drinking water at your school. Collect samples from at least 10 locations on campus, including water fountains, filtered water systems and sink faucets. Use a contaminant testing system (available from Internet retailers or science stores) to test the samples, then record the results. Look for variations between testing locations and check the water against Maximum Contaminant Levels.
In addition to testing the water that comes out of local faucets, you can test the sources of your drinking water and compare those readings to the readings of the water you consume. This helps determine if a source of contamination lies in the water's transportation route from one location to another. For example, if your drinking water comes from a local river, you can test the river, test the water at various locations in your town, and then compare the readings.