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Trace Amounts of Drugs Found in Water Supply

Photo illustration by Lars Baron/Getty ImagesIF YOU'RE LOOKING TO DRINK caffeine-free water, you might want to avoid the stuff coming from your tap. The D.C. area's water supply contains trace amounts of the stimulant, as well as six pharmaceuticals, new federal research says.

The water supply tested is one that serves a million people in the District, Arlington County, Falls Church and parts of Fairfax County, The Post's Carol D. Leonnig reports. Similar combinations of trace elements were found in 24 of the 28 water supplies tested nationwide — findings detailed in an Associated Press analysis released today.

Do the findings mean the water supply dangerous to drink? Scientists aren't sure, Leonnig reports:

Although the chemicals pose no immediate health threat in the water, the health effects of drinking these drug compounds over a long period is largely unstudied. Some scientists said there is probably little human health risk; others fear chronic exposure could alter immune responses or interfere with adolescents' developing hormone systems.
So which drugs were found in the water? Here's a breakdown, according to The Post:

» Caffeine: a stimulant found in food and drinks.

» Carbamazepine: an anti-convulsive to reduce epileptic seizures and a mood stabilizer for treating bipolar disorders.

» Ibuprofen: an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.

» Monensin: an antibiotic administered to cattle.

» Naproxen: an anti-inflammatory drug commonly found in Aleve.

» Sulfamethoxazole: an antibiotic that can be used to treat infections in humans and animals.

» Triclocarban: a disinfectant found in antibacterial soaps.

The discovery is the topic of our Poll Center question today: "Do you think the D.C. region's water supply is safe enough to be drinking from?" Click here to vote and see how your fellow commuters came down on the issue.

» "Area Tap Water Has Traces of Medicines" [WaPo]
» "AP Probe Finds Drugs in Drinking Water" [AP via Yahoo! News]

Photo illustration by Lars Baron/Getty Images

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