VOA慢速英语:Water Crisis in US City a 'Disaster, Not Just an Emergency'

contamination – n. to make unfit for use by the introduction of unwholesome or undesirable elements

corrosive – adj. causing damage to metal or other materials through a chemical process

controversial – adj. relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument : likely to produce controversy

tainted – adj. to make (something) dangerous or dirty especially by adding something harmful or undesirable to it

irreversible – adj.  impossible to change back to a previous condition or state

convulsions medical : a sudden violent shaking of the muscles in your body that you are unable to control

coma – n. a state of profound unconsciousness caused by disease, injury, or poison