November 7, 2011
By Rich Eldred
Excerpt: Private wells could be pumping up more than pure drinking water.
A study released Wednesday by the Silent Spring Institute found 27 different contaminants in 20 wells that were sampled on Cape Cod last February. That sounds alarming, but most all of these, save one, were found in extremely low amounts, measured in parts per trillions – well below levels that are known to be harmful. But repeated exposure, every time you take a drink, is different than being exposed just once.
Acesulfame was found in 85 percent (or 17) of the wells - often in very high amounts. But it’s something we willingly ingest. Acesulfame is an artificial sweetener common in soda pop. As it travels through the body it doesn’t break down (that’s why it’s zero calories) and why it doesn’t break down in the groundwater. It’s a good indicator other introduced chemicals may be present.