Federal Appeals Court Rules U.S. Constitution Does Not Guarantee Right to Clean Drinking Water

A federal appeals court has ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee the right to clean drinking water, rejecting a lawsuit by Jackson, Mississippi residents who alleged their city knowingly allowed lead-contaminated tap water. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's dismissal of the case, which argued city officials violated residents' constitutional right to bodily integrity under the 14th Amendment.