Fairfax Water

Emerging Water Quality Issues

 December 2, 2009

Working with regional and national partners, Fairfax Water has developed a testing plan for Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) and Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in source and treated waters and has begun a year-long testing program.

How do you know what to test?

There are tens of thousands of compounds that are considered EDCs or PPCPs. Fairfax Water carefully considered the most prudent use of its resources in researching a suitable list of compounds. We looked at influences in the Potomac and Occoquan River Watersheds (industrial, agricultural uses, etc.) to determine which compounds are most likely to be present. We then looked at our treatment process to determine which compounds would not be readily removed through treatment. Finally, we looked at which compounds could be measured in water. We chose 19 compounds to test for in the source and treated waters. Samples were sent to an independent laboratory proficient in this type of analysis.

What did you find?

We did not find any traces of compounds in our finished drinking water. As expected, we found very, very small amounts of a few compounds in our source waters, the Potomac River and Occoquan Reservoir. To date, research shows that there is no indication of human health concern at the levels found in our source water. For more information, read the findings of a research study conducted by the Water Research Foundation.
 

What do detections mean?

The truth is that more research is needed to fully understand the implications of very, very small levels of EDCs and PPCPs in water. Research to date shows that there is no indication of human health concern at the levels being found. Fairfax Water’s mission to deliver high-quality drinking water is critical to our objective of protecting public health. Fairfax Water, along with water professionals across the nation, is researching the occurrence of EDCs, 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 and research conducted by the Water Research Foundation confirms this finding.

What does “very, very small” mean?

The compounds detected were found at the part per billion and part per trillion levels. The ability to test compounds in water to these minute levels is relatively new. A part per billion is equivalent to 1 gallon of water in 1,514 olympic size swimming pools. A part per trillion is equivalent to 1 gallon of water in 1,514,570 olympic size swimming pools.

What is Fairfax Water doing?

Fairfax Water provides highly advanced treatment for the water we serve our customers.  A study conducted by the Water Research Foundation in the summer of 2007 concluded that using a combination of ozone and granular activated carbon is very effective in removing broad categories of EDCs, personal care products and pharmaceuticals. Fairfax Water uses both ozone and granular activated carbon at both of its treatment plants as part of its multi-barrier water treatment approach that also includes coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection.

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.

What’s next?

Fairfax Water, along with other water utilities regionally and nationally, is working to advance the science in the area of understanding and treating EDCs and PPCPs in water.
 

The issue is also being studied at the national level. There is an established process in place within the appropriate federal agencies to provide further guidance to water utilities on testing and treating for emerging contaminants.

What can I do to help?


Dispose of medications in the trash instead of flushing them, except when specifically instructed by the label. If you flush medications, they can end up in our rivers and streams. To help protect our environment, throw unused, unwanted or expired over-the-counter and prescription medicines in the trash.

The American Pharmacists Association recommends steps for safely disposing of pills and liquids in the trash. These steps will help prevent their misuse or accidental ingestion by children or pets.

1. Keep the medicines in their original container. This will help identify the contents if they are accidentally ingested.

2. Cross out your name and prescription number for safety.

3. For pills: add some salt water to start dissolving them. For liquids: add something inedible like cat litter, dirt or ash.

4. Seal the container and secure with duct or packing tape.

5. Put the container in the trash as close to pickup time as possible. Do not put in the recycle bin.

For more information and updates about medication disposal, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/dontflush/  or call the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-246-2411, TTY 711. Information is also available on the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at www.epa.gov/ppcp/  or by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791, TTY 711.
 




 






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