Tests find drug traces in Lake Michigan

Chicago officials say the city's drinking water is safe despite recent tests that found trace amounts of pharmaceuticals and an insect repellent.

John Spatz is the city's water commissioner. He said Friday that Chicago will test Lake Michigan drinking water once a month for at least the next year.

The results resemble what has been found in water tests elsewhere.

A five-month inquiry by The Associated Press disclosed the presence of trace concentrations of such things as antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones in the drinking water of at least 24 major metropolitan areas.

Chicago's two water-treatment plants serve 7 million people in the city and suburbs.