October 26, 2010
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WHEN:
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Presentation – 12:00-1:00 p.m. (Lunch will be served)
Q&A – 1:00-1:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Town of Barnstable, Town Hall - Second Floor Hearing Room
367 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601
WHO:
Laurel Schaider, Ph.D., Silent Spring Institute Research Scientist
Recent results and next steps for Silent Spring Institute study of pharmaceuticals and chemicals from household products in drinking water wells
Testing in Private Wells for Hormone Disruptors to Begin
In May, Silent Spring Institute reported results of a study that found pharmaceuticals and consumer product chemicals in Cape Cod public drinking water wells. Tests of 20 wells and two distribution systems from nine water districts found that a majority of samples contained emerging contaminants at parts per trillion levels, indicating that chemicals in household and commercial wastewater can seep from septic systems into groundwater and make their way into Cape Cod drinking water. The most frequently detected types of chemicals included pharmaceuticals, flame retardants and perfluorinated chemicals, which are found in many nonstick and stain-resistant products. Wells with higher levels of nitrate and boron, which are both markers of septic system impacts, and wells affected by more residential development tended to have higher levels and more frequent detections of these chemicals. Results highlight the need for a comprehensive strategy for protecting Cape Cod drinking water supplies.
Silent Spring Institute is currently conducting a study to test for the same types of chemicals in private drinking water wells on Cape Cod. Compared to public wells, private wells are frequently more vulnerable to contamination from septic systems and other sources of groundwater pollution. The Institute is seeking 100 volunteers for the study.
Hear updates on other Silent Spring Institute initiatives, including: