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New Contaminants/Contaminants of Emerging Concern

New analytical techniques that have become available recently have enabled scientists to detect in the environment traces of numerous chemicals associated with our lives and the products we use. There is mounting evidence that trace 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 trace chemicals 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.

Partnership activities

• Emerging Contaminants and Water Supply Workshop, held Sept. 19, 2005 .
  

• Mini-Workshop on Emerging Contaminants Challenges – Alternative Approaches for Water Utilities, held May 7, 2007
  

• Testimony of Partnership members and others at House Government Reform Committee hearing on October 4, 2006
  

• 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)
  

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.
  

• 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.
  

• Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) co-sponsored two forums on EDCs on November 16, 2006 and March 13, 2006.
  

To learn more about contaminants of emerging concern:

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)
  

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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