Bean calls for investigation into pharmaceuticals in drinking water

Federal scientists will start examining the effect of pharmaceuticals and chemicals in drinking water, under a measure approved by lawmakers Thursday.

The proposal, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, a Barrington Democrat, calls for a comprehensive study on the impact of trace amounts of drugs, including anti-depressants and blood pressure medication, and household chemicals in treated drinking water.

The study requirement was attached as an amendment to the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act, which passed the House Thursday on a 413-10 vote.

"I'm just concerned about the quality of our water," said Bean. "We need to have a better understanding of this."

In general, recent studies have shown pharmaceuticals and household chemicals are not completely removed from drinking water in the treatment process, which concentrates on removing organic compounds and bacteria.