Do You Know What’s In Your Water?

Our water supply is in danger.  Here in California, we may not be in a “drought” per se, but it has been noted by some of our local water agencies (in an effort to remain politically correct) that this is a “dry year”.  Furthermore, our infrastructures are suffering.  Only 40% of the nation’s waterways remain swimmable and fishable, and these numbers are still decreasing.  One problem is the overflowing sewers that have been leaching into our “clean” water, as the local and immigrant populations continue to grow at an exponential rate. We just cannot keep up with the public’s needs for schools, transportation, water and sewage treatment.

The latest news: we are just starting to gauge the pharmaceutical concentrations in our nation’s waterways, along with any hazardous effects these chemicals may have on humans, animals, vegetation et cetera.  The U.S. Geological Survey, the FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency have not even decided whether these “emerging contaminants” are truly a bad thing for us.  Birth control pills, anti-depressants, cholesterol-lowering medication, household cleaning products — we are undoubtedly unintentionally ingesting small percentages of these items, and so are our children…and unborn babies.  That worries me.

It also bothers me that no agency is willing to bet (or step on anyone’s toes) that this is a potentially harmful situation for all of us, especially if there is no action taken to prevent and reduce the problem.

Intersex fish have been identified, living in the Potomac River and its tributaries.  These are male fish, carrying eggs.  The phenomenon has been attributed to — and seems likely to be from — the chemicals that mimic hormones and actual hormone residues (birth control pills etc) that are being flushed down the toilets, sinks, showers, and sewage treatment plants that leach into the ground water.

Unwanted or expired drugs are now being accepted at the Sheriff’s departments and designated hospital drop-off areas, throughout parts of the country.  Check with your local community services to find out more information.  It’s not asking a lot to chip in and do our part in sustaining our planet for as long as possible.