New Bill Targets Drugs-in-Water Issue
8/20/2008 -
The issue of pharmaceuticals in drinking water is not going away, if the introduction of a new bill in Congress is any indication.
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) and two colleagues are proposing new legislation for the federal government to conduct more comprehensive research on the presence of drugs and personal care products in drinking water supplies.
Introduction of the Water Assessment and Treatment Evaluation Research (WATER) Study Act follows a high-profile Associated Press report that found drug traces in the drinking water of dozens of municipalities.
“The presence of the pharmaceuticals in our nation’s waters raises serious questions about the effects on human health and wildlife,” McCarthy said.
Experts believe that many drugs make into the water supply through unused medications flushed down the toilet as well as traces of animal antibiotics that make their way into agricultural runoff.
Personal care products may include fragrances, lotions, soaps, shampoos and cosmetics.
The bill, H.R. 6820, was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Co-sponsors are Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.).
Contact: Rep. McCarthy’s office, (202) 225-5516.
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) and two colleagues are proposing new legislation for the federal government to conduct more comprehensive research on the presence of drugs and personal care products in drinking water supplies.
Introduction of the Water Assessment and Treatment Evaluation Research (WATER) Study Act follows a high-profile Associated Press report that found drug traces in the drinking water of dozens of municipalities.
“The presence of the pharmaceuticals in our nation’s waters raises serious questions about the effects on human health and wildlife,” McCarthy said.
Experts believe that many drugs make into the water supply through unused medications flushed down the toilet as well as traces of animal antibiotics that make their way into agricultural runoff.
Personal care products may include fragrances, lotions, soaps, shampoos and cosmetics.
The bill, H.R. 6820, was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Co-sponsors are Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.).
Contact: Rep. McCarthy’s office, (202) 225-5516.
