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New analytical techniques that have become available recently have enabled scientists to detect in the environment very low levels of numerous chemicals associated with our lives and the products we use. There is mounting evidence that these low level emerging contaminants present in natural waters and sediments may affect wildlife, sometimes causing non-lethal but adverse ecological health effects. Although no direct adverse impact on human health has been established from consuming drinking water treated to current EPA standards, the presence of very low levels of emerging contaminants in the source waters used for drinking water supply is cause for concern. To address these issues, the Potomac DWSPP’s Emerging Contaminants Workgroup supports the Partnership by tracking and reporting on findings of research and occurrence of persistent and newly identified threats posed to the Potomac River drinking water supply. Members of the workgroup also advocate/support related national-level studies with the goal of providing sound science on how this emerging challenge should be addressed.
What are emerging contaminants?
The term “emerging contaminant” encompasses a wide range of compounds. Emerging contaminants are chemicals or materials that are characterized by a perceived, potential or real threat to human health or the environment or lack of published health standards. A contaminant may also be “emerging” because of the ability for it to be detected by new test methods or by the discovery of a new source or a new pathway to humans. Many pharmaceuticals and personal care products detected in the environment can be considered emerging contaminants since they lack published health standards. However, the word “emerging” used in the context of contaminants detected at low levels in water should not be confused with the word “emergency” or be taken to mean that such detection is cause for alarm.
Some of the terms used to refer to different classes of emerging contaminants include:
- Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
- Organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs)
- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
- Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs)
- Microconstituents
- Nanomaterials
Partnership activities
Submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Questionnaire for Drinking Water Utilities Participating in Emerging Contaminant Sampling Program in June 2009.
Submitted comments to the Drug Enforcement Administration's request for input on the disposal of controlled substances by persons not registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration in March 2009.
Workshop sponsored by American Water Works Association Research Foundation (AwwaRF) on behalf of DWSPP: "Research on EDC's and Risk Communication for Potomac Basin Stakeholders", held April 11, 2008.
Mini-Workshop on Emerging Contaminants Challenges – Alternative Approaches for Water Utilities, held May 7, 2007
Emerging Contaminants and Water Supply Workshop, held Sept. 19, 2005.
Reviewed and commented on USGS data report on a reconnaissance of emerging contaminants in the Potomac River basin
Maintains list of conferences, seminars and symposia on emerging contaminants issues (updated periodically; last updated 3/10)
Related activities by Partnership members and participating organizations
Congressional testimony by ICPRB, Fairfax Water, Washington Aqueduct, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, US Geological Survey, and US Environmental Protection Agency. Following a front-page story in The Washington Post on September 6, 2006, reporting on findings of intersex fish in the Potomac River and its upper tributaries, the US House of Representatives Government Reform Committee held an oversight hearing on October 4, 2006. Other advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations also testified.
Congressional testimony by US Geological Survey and US Environmental Protection Agency. Following a series of articles from the Associated Press beginning on March 10, 2008, reporting on detection of drugs in the source water supplies of many cities, the US Senate Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security and Water Quality held an oversight hearing on April 15, 2008. Other advocacy and industry groups also testified.
US Geological Survey (USGS) is continuing its research on intersex fish in the Potomac River, including specimens collected further downstream. Contaminant occurrence studies in the basin are also continuing, and one report on a 2007 regional reconnaissance was published recently.
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) co-sponsored two forums on EDCs on November 16, 2006 and March 13, 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emerging Contaminants
Following the Associated Press articles published in March 2008, water utility members of DWSPP provided information and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pharmaceuticals detected in their source waters at their websites. Similar information can be found at the Philadelphia Water website:
Learn more about emerging contaminants
For more information on the US EPA programs for regulating drinking water contaminants, endocrine disrupting chemicals research and human and ecological health effects:
Safe Drinking Water Act
Clean Water Act
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule
EDC Research
EDC Screening Program
Ecological health and Human health
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)
PPCPs in water
For more information on emerging contaminants from the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS):
Survey on Emerging Contaminants
Summary of State Responses
For more information on related USGS studies:
Toxic substances hydrology program
Emerging contaminants in the environment
Fate of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants in watersheds
Endocrine disruption research (contaminant biology program)
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