contaminated tap water-----in your city?

[Mr Pleco]

I was just listening to this evenings news and they where discussing low levels of Pharmaceuticals, Hormones, in our tap water...They say the low levels are safe for drinking water however what about our aquariums and long term effects on fish....Anybody else heard or read about this story? Any links to share? Will RO units remove these contimenants? Will water changes remove or increase levels? I thought all I had to worry about is high nitrate levels in my aquarium.....

"A vast array of pharmaceuticals – including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones – have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows. "

"Philadelphia: 56 pharmaceuticals or pharmaceutical byproducts, including medicines used to treat pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems" (found in tap water sample)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20080309-0916-pharmawateri.html

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20080309-0943-pharmawater-watersheds.html


http://news.aol.com/health/story/ar/_a/probe-finds-drugs-in-drinking-water/20080309184409990001


This link I found discuss's streams in the U.S.

http://toxics.usgs.gov/pubs/OFR-02-94/

http://toxics.usgs.gov/pubs/contaminant_studies_article.pdf

 

[Mr Pleco]

15 views no replies, comments?

 

[Nic]

im not worried

 

[vfc]

See NIC from Philly is already being affected by the anti-anxiety drugs in his water.

 

[Nic]

See NIC from Philly is already being affected by the anti-anxiety drugs in his water.

 

[vfc]

Mr. Pleco,
Maybe no one is concerned because they think it only affects humans. This line from the report may get the attention of the MFK's:

Also, pharmaceuticals in waterways are damaging wildlife across the nation and around the globe, research shows. Notably, male fish are being feminized, creating egg yolk proteins, a process usually restricted to females.

 

[Bud8Fan]

So if all of these drugs are in my water then I should be cured of everything.

I saw this on CNN and they were talking about parts per trillion. I can't even imagine quantities that small.

 

[Mr Pleco]

So if all of these drugs are in my water then I should be cured of everything.

I saw this on CNN and they were talking about parts per trillion. I can't even imagine quantities that small.

maybe a smaller lifeform, that's swimming in it year in and year out let's see how their livers look...we spend a lot of time and $$ on our hobby....do you think partial water changes with RO water will help reduce the risks? say 50/50 tap and treated RO....any chemistry majors on MFK I know of one but I won't mention him by name, I'd like to get his input....

 

[Lord Barium]

Huh...I wouldn't be terribly worried though. I've used tapwater in my tank, and nothing really seems to be wrong with it (I have COMPLETELY change the water at least 5 times in a couple different citys)

 

[Lord Barium]

I have asked about using RO water, but for some reason, it's not recomended. I guess its' because the fish need certain minerals and stuff.