Many people assume that clean-looking tap water is automatically safe. Yet beneath the surface, the journey water takes through soil and rock may quietly influence what ends up in the glass.
Researchers are now investigating whether the underground sources supplying drinking water could play a role in neurological diseases.
A large new study suggests certain groundwater conditions may be linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Underground clues
The research examined health records from more than 12,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and compared them with over 1.2 million individuals without the condition. All participants lived close to more than 1,000 groundwater monitoring locations.
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Scientists analysed the type of aquifer supplying local drinking water as well as the estimated age of the groundwater.
Aquifers are underground rock formations that store and transport water to wells and springs.
The study found that people living in areas supplied by carbonate aquifers had about a 24 percent higher likelihood of Parkinson’s disease compared with regions relying on other aquifer types.
Younger water, higher risk
Groundwater age also appeared to matter. Older water, which typically sits deeper underground, showed a slightly lower association with Parkinson’s disease risk in carbonate systems.
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Researchers believe this pattern may reflect the movement of pollutants rather than the water itself.
Certain geological formations allow chemicals such as pesticides or industrial substances to reach groundwater more easily.
The research was led by Brittany Krzyzanowski from the Barrow Neurological Institute and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in 2026.
What could help
Scientists say long-term prevention will likely focus on environmental protection rather than individual behaviour. Possible strategies include:
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- stronger monitoring of groundwater contamination
- protection of aquifers from pollutants
- regular testing of private wells
- improved water treatment systems
Further studies are needed to identify the exact contaminants that may influence Parkinson’s disease risk.
Sources: Medical News Today
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