Physicians’ ethical obligation to ensure communities’ access to safe drinking water has roots in their expertise, social authority, and role as mediators.

Physicians with interprofessional networks and environmental health training can better respond to public health crises.

Although the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 is effective in reducing contaminants to safe levels in public drinking water, its administration and enforcement poses challenges.

In conducting research abroad, clinicians should treat community members with dignity and as research partners.

Introduction to the October 2017 issue on clean water access and the roles of clinicians.

Having current information about waterborne hazards enables physicians to understand the risks and help their patients protect themselves.

Cases of elder self-neglect require physicians to balance the patient’s wish for independence and the risks of poor self-care.

Understanding the religious background of patients and their surrogates is essential to providing patient-centered care at the end of life.

Community-based participatory research ensures that community protections, risks, and benefits are considered during ethical reviews of research protocols.

Seven photos taken in Flint illuminate environmental injustice, the city’s attempts to respond, and individuals’ experiences.