A series of stories regarding contamination of water by pharmaceuticals, has led to the federal and local legislature to initiate testing in 27 metropolitan areas of the US. The tests illustrate that nearly 46 million Americans are affected. Seventeen tests came back positive, including tests in Reno, Navada: Colorado Springs, Colrado: Savannah, Georgia: and Huntsville, Alabama.

Startling revelations came to the fore as researchers found traces of a nicotine derivative and cholesterol medicine in Chicago. Anti- convulsant carbamazepine was found in water samples of many cities. Five pharmaceuticals including a hormone and tranquilizer were detected in Colorado Springs.

"This is obviously an emerging issue and after the AP stories came out we felt it was the responsible thing for us to do, as a utility, to find out where we stand. We believe that at these levels, based on current science, that the water is completely safe for our customers," said Steve Berry, spokesman the city of Colorado Springs. "We don't want to create unnecessary alarm, but at the same time we have a responsibility as a municipal utility to communicate with our customers and let them know."

The detections were so small and perhaps insignificant that that Bruce Grubb, water director for the city of Fargo, had to send them local health officer to decide how the information should be interpreted to the community. The researchers are yet to come to a conclusion regarding any potential risks involved, by the traces of pharmaceuticals detected in water. But they have found that pharmaceuticals, even in such small proportions could harm aquatic animals and impair human cells.