May 10, 2010
click here to view as pdf

Silent Spring Institute researchers will present the results of their study, “Emerging Contaminants in Cape Cod Drinking Water.” Dr. Laurel Schaider, Research Scientist at Silent Spring Institute, will give a presentation, followed by a question and answer session.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Presentation – 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Q&A – 3:30-4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Town of Barnstable, Town Hall
367 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601

WHO: Laurel Schaider, Ph.D.
Silent Spring Institute Research Scientist

Drinking water samples from twenty wells were tested for pharmaceuticals, hormones, herbicides, and consumer product chemicals including flame retardants and perfluorinated compounds (for example, from nonstick and stain-resistant surfaces). Several indicators of wastewater, such as nitrate and boron, were also measured. The goal was to understand the susceptibility of Cape Cod drinking water supplies to contamination by wastewater, primarily from septic systems, and to evaluate the influence of factors such as the extent of residential development in well recharge areas.

A fact sheet on the study can be found here: http://silentspring.org/pdf/our_research/DrinkingWaterStudyOverview.pdf.