The Associated Press reported yesterday that 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. The report indicates that some of the pharmaceuticals that were found were only trace amounts; however, out of the cities that were tested, Cincinnati was ranked 10th in the most toxic water supply. The EPA requires any community water system that serves more than 100,000 people to make its CCR(consumer confidence report) available to customers on a publicly accessible web site. This report comes from your water supplier that tells where your water comes from and what’s in it. The University of Cincinnati conducted a drinking water study in 2005 and the results from the Hamilton County and Greater Cincinnati Area are available for public review, but all of the categories passed the EPA standards for quality drinking water.

There are many different types of water filtration systems available. Click here for one site that compares the many types. Consumer reports is also a good source of information on comparing water filters. If homeowners are concerned you may contact your local plumber for other options for water filtration. As more research is conducted, the studies should be more conclusive on what filters work best.