http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/science/earth/03epa.html?_r=1&hpw
The Obama administration said on Wednesday they would impose limits on permissible levels of a new set toxic chemicals in drinking water. This includes the first standard for the perchlorate which is a dangerous compound found in rocket fuel and fireworks that has contaminated water supplies in 26 states. The move announced by the EPA is said to help update the nation's clean water laws which have been lagging way behind. Studies have shown that hundreds of industrial and agricultural chemicals are present in municipal water systems around the country. Wednesday’s decision to regulate perchlorate reversed a 2008 finding by the Bush administration that a nationwide standard for the chemical was unnecessary and would do little to reduce risks to human health. Perchlorate can occur naturally, but high concentrations have been found near military installations where it was used in rocket testing and around places where fireworks, flares and solid propellants are made. Health researchers have found that the chemical may impair the functioning of the thyroid, potentially stunting the growth of fetuses, infants and children.
I think this is a great start to try and make the water safer. Hopefully this will snowball into other laws that help to get rid of the other chemicals that are lingering in our drinking water.
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