Colorado Scientists Find Chemicals in Waters

Scientists have discovered that the byproducts of such everyday compounds as anti-bacterial hand soap or bug spray are winding up in streams and groundwater in remote spots in the Colorado mountains.

The study was intended as a starting point for more study of how dozens of chemicals are entering waterways and the potential impacts on people and the environment. The scientists expected to find chemicals associated with detergents, disinfectants and pesticides in urban waterways, but were surprised to find some of them in more remote areas. Some of the chemicals included fire retardants, caffeine, steroids, prescription drugs, insecticides and pesticides. Possible sources include feed lots, industrial sites, wastewater treatment plants, septic systems and water runoff. http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/10684652.htm

January 19, 2005, Associated Press