AP Enterprise: Drugs affect more drinking water By MARTHA MENDOZA (AP National Writer), From Associated Press--9.11.08

[Guest guest]

In light of several recent posts about water quality and drugs found in water

sources, it occurred to me that this article might be of interest to some

individuals who participate in these two forums. ~~Ruth

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AP Enterprise: Drugs affect more drinking water

By MARTHA MENDOZA (AP National Writer)

From Associated Press

September 11, 2008 7:10 PM EDT

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Testing prompted by an Associated Press story that revealed trace amounts of

pharmaceuticals in drinking water supplies has shown that more Americans are

affected by the problem than previously thought - at least 46 million.

That's up from 41 million people reported by the AP in March as part of an

investigation into the presence of pharmaceuticals in the nation's waterways.

The AP stories prompted federal and local legislative hearings, brought about

calls for mandatory testing and disclosure, and led officials in at least 27

additional metropolitan areas to analyze their drinking water. Positive tests

were reported in 17 cases, including Reno, Nev., Savannah, Ga., Colorado

Springs, Colo., and Huntsville, Ala. Results are pending in three others.

The test results, added to data from communities and water utilities that bowed

to pressure to disclose earlier test results, produce the new total of Americans

known to be exposed to drug-contaminated drinking water supplies.

The overwhelming majority of U.S. cities have not tested drinking water while

eight cities - including Boston, Phoenix and Seattle - were relieved that tests

showed no detections.

" We didn't think we'd find anything because our water comes from a pristine

source, but after the AP stories we wanted to make sure and reassure our

customers, " said Andy , spokesman for Seattle Public Utilities.

The substances detected in the latest tests mirrored those cited in the earlier

AP report.

Chicago, for example, found a cholesterol medication and a nicotine derivative.

Many cities found the anti-convulsant carbamazepine. Officials in one of those

communities, Colorado Springs, say they detected five pharmaceuticals in all,

including a tranquilizer and a hormone.

" This is obviously an emerging issue and after the AP stories came out we felt

it was the responsible thing for us to do, as a utility, to find out where we

stand. We believe that at these levels, based on current science, that the water

is completely safe for our customers, " said Colorado Springs spokesman Steve

Berry. " We don't want to create unnecessary alarm, but at the same time we have

a responsibility as a municipal utility to communicate with our customers and

let them know. "

Fargo's water director, Bruce Grubb, said the concentrations of three drugs

detected there were so incredibly minute - parts per trillion - that he sent

them to the local health officer to figure out how to interpret the information

for the community.

" We plan to put this into some kind of context other than just scientific

nomenclature, so folks can get some level of understanding about what it means, "

said Grubb.

The drug residues detected in water supplies are generally flushed into sewers

and waterways through human excretion. Many of the pharmaceuticals are known to

slip through sewage and drinking water treatment plants.

While the comprehensive risks are still unclear, researchers are finding

evidence that even extremely diluted concentrations of pharmaceutical residues

harm fish, frogs and other aquatic species in the wild and impair the workings

of human cells in the laboratory.

And while the new survey expands the known extent of the problem, the

overwhelming majority of U.S. communities have yet to test, including the single

largest water provider in the country, New York City's Department of

Environmental Protection, which delivers water to 9 million people.

In April, New York City council members insisted during an emergency hearing

that their drinking water be tested. But DEP officials subsequently declared

that " the testing of finished tap water is not warranted at this time. "

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The AP National Investigative Team can be reached at investigate (at) ap.org

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