Dec 27, 2013

18 Unregulated Chemicals Found in a Third of U.S. Water Utilities Tested

Federal scientists have found 18 unregulated chemicals in drinking water provided by more than one-third of utilities in the United States.

The unpublished research, conducted by theU.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and theEnvironmental Protection Agency, revealed the presence of certain chemicals suspected of causing serious health problems.

Among the 18 chemicals were 11 perfluorinated compounds, an herbicide, two solvents, caffeine, an antibacterial compound, a metal and an antidepressant. None are currently regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which means utilities don't have to limit their levels or even monitor for them. A total of 21 contaminants were detected at a third of the utilities from which water was sampled.