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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2008
CONTACT: Greta Houlahan
Phone: 734-913-5723
Email: houlahan@nsf.org
NSF Discusses Recent AP Report on Pharmaceuticals in Water and Next Steps
Report Creates Consumer Questions on Water Quality
Ann Arbor, MI – Recent media articles on pharmaceuticals in water have generated questions among consumers about the quality of the U.S.'s drinking water. NSF is currently working with key organizations to help further investigate this issue and offer a solution to consumers.
“A key part of our mission is to provide consumers with the information they need to make informed decisions when it comes to looking out for their families' wellbeing,” said Tom Bruursema, General Manager, NSF's Drinking Water Treatment Unit Certification Program. “We are working with federal, state and local government agencies, wastewater and drinking water utility officials, product manufacturers and other public health experts to do just that. Current efforts include development of appropriate product standards as well as testing and certification services that help address emerging drinking water quality needs.”
There are several groups along with NSF that are coming together to discuss pharmaceuticals in water. On March 20, 2008, NSF hosted a Joint Committee meeting to address this very issue. The Joint Committee is now in the process of setting up a task group to further research the status of pharmaceuticals in water. There are many areas of consideration to examine, including health effects, treatment options and additional requirements that may need to be established.
Currently, federal and state legislation mandates testing and treatment for a wide array of tap water contaminants. A vast majority of public and private water utilities provide drinking water that meets or exceeds U.S. EPA and state drinking water safety standards. Additional legislation is being considered.
“While home water treatment systems are not specifically certified to reduce pharmaceuticals at this time, many of these products can help provide additional protection against a wide array of other contaminants, including arsenic, lead and cysts, sometimes found in drinking water,” said Cheryl Luptowski, NSF Public Information Officer.
New information is available on NSF's website to help educate consumers and offer guidance on this topic. A fact kit is also available, which provides additional information about common contaminants in drinking water, as well as tips for selecting bottled water or a home drinking water treatment system.
Background on Associated Press Report
A recent Associated
Press (AP) report revealed that trace amounts of many different pharmaceuticals
have been found in drinking water. In the course of their investigation, members
of the AP National Investigative Team indicated they reviewed hundreds of scientific
reports, analyzed federal drinking water databases, visited environmental study
sites and treatment plants and interviewed more than 230 officials, academics
and scientists. They also surveyed the nation's 50 largest cities, a dozen other
major water providers and smaller community water providers in all 50 states.
For additional information, visit NSF's consumer website or contact NSF's Consumer Affairs Office at 1-800-673-8010 or info@nsf.org.
About NSF International: NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods (www.nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment. Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education.
