Concerns of exposure to hazardous heavy metals deactivate safety mechanisms and increase risks to other workers and the surrounding communities. Industrial waste from factories, litter and numerous other hazards contribute to the disruption of ecosystems and public safety. I include the most recent data from 2015 to 2026. As determination of heavy metals is an urgent concern, I highlight recent efforts to develop fast, inexpensive, and effective testing methods. These include: absorption/desorption, membrane separation, chemical precipitation, biosensors, and nanotechnology. While discussing the difficulties in regulating these methods, I focus on the treatment of these contaminants and the safety concerns. I highlight gaps in sustainable water management. This report emphasizes the severe consequences of heavy metal contamination of water on the environment and public health. My goal is to create an efficient synthesis of the latest available data in the field of environmental public health that will serve health and water quality research.