Fairfax Water
Special Statement
Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water
March 8, 2008
Fairfax Water wants you to
know the following information:
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Fairfax Water’s primary objective is the protection of
public health through the delivery of high-quality drinking water. Fairfax
Water, along with water professionals across the nation, is researching the
occurrence of personal care products and pharmaceutical compounds in
drinking water supplies and is paying close attention to health effects
research in this area. We have found there is no evidence of human health
concern.
-
Fairfax Water provides highly advanced treatment for the
water we serve our customers. Research has shown that using the combination
of ozone and granular activated carbon is very effective in removing broad
categories of personal care products and pharmaceuticals. Fairfax Water uses
both ozone and granular activated carbon as part of its multi-barrier water
treatment approach that also includes coagulation, sedimentation, filtration
and disinfection.
-
To date, there are no approved methods for detecting
personal care products and pharmaceuticals in drinking water. Fairfax Water
has been actively working with leading researchers to develop an appropriate
testing protocol for detection of very low levels for a variety of these
compounds. We are currently developing a testing plan for our source and
treated waters.
-
As we continue to develop better methods for detection,
we will be able to identify more compounds at lower levels. While these
compounds may be detected at very low levels in water, people regularly
consume or expose themselves to products containing these compounds in much
higher concentrations through medicines, food and beverage and other
sources. The level in which they are found in water is very small in
comparison and does not mean the substance is harmful to humans.
-
Fairfax Water, along with other water utilities
regionally and nationally, is working to advance the science in the area of
understanding and treating personal care product and pharmaceuticals.
-
Fairfax Water, along with the Washington
Suburban Sanitary Commission and the Washington Aqueduct, founded the
Potomac Partnership to study water quality issues in the Potomac
watershed.
-
Fairfax Water, along with many water utilities
across the nation, has contributed to and participated with the American
Water Works Association Research Foundation (AWWARF) to study endocrine
disruptors, personal care product and pharmaceuticals. To date, AWWARF
has conducted 21 projects totaling approximately $4.9 million.
Fairfax County Water Authority
- 8570 Executive Park Avenue Fairfax, VA - 22031
(703) 698-5600 - email:
webmaster@fcwa.org