The USGS targeted pharmaceuticals, personal-care products, detergents, flame retardants, naturally occurring sterols, and other organic contaminants in a study of untreated sources of drinking water in the United States. These contaminants of emerging concern are commonly associated with human- and animal-waste sources, though other natural and human-related sources are also possible. Researchers collected data from 49 surface- and 25 ground-water sources of untreated drinking water in 25 states and Puerto Rico. This study follows previous USGS research on emerging contaminants in water that is not used for drinking, including the first national-scale
reconnaissance of both U.S. streams
and ground water. Together the data from these studies will help scientists, regulators, water-resource managers, and health professionals determine if the concentrations and mixtures of chemicals found pose a threat to human or ecological health. To learn more about these studies, visit
http://toxics.usgs.gov/highlights/gwsw_ec.html
or contact Mike Focazio at 703-648-6808 or
mfocazio@usgs.gov
.
