WASHINGTON, DC -- The latest news from the Associated Press raises real questions to the quality of the nation’s water supply,  and it has left many thirsty for more information. Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA),  Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus,  is concerned that millions of Americans are ingesting a wide assortment of drugs that weren’t prescribed for them.

Congressman Fattah is particularly interested in more information regarding the long term impact of the tainted water supply.  AP’s investigation turned up fifty six different medical substances in Philadelphia’s water supply, the district represented by Fattah.

“Every day Americans reach into their kitchen sinks expecting that the substance pouring from the faucets will be clean water, water that is healthy, water that is pure,” said Fattah. “America’s families want and deserve better than the news they received today.”

Below is the text of a letter Congressman Fattah sent to the Environmental Protection Agency asking for a comprehensive analysis of the water supply and what steps will be taken to ensure the safe consumption of life’s most basic need.

March 10, 2008

The Honorable Stephen L. Johnson
Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator Johnson,

I call on the Environmental Protection Agency to provide the American public with a comprehensive analysis of the pharmaceutical contaminants in public drinking water.  In addition to identifying potential health risks that may have been created by this situation, I look forward to steps the EPA will be taking to ensure my constituents can be confident in the safety of Philadelphia’s tap water. 

I was shocked to read in this morning’s paper that the quality of drinking water available to my constituents may have been compromised by pharmaceuticals or byproducts.  While these medicines, including those for pain, infection, high cholesterol, asthma, epilepsy, mental illness and heart problems, may have only been found in trace amounts, this news is nonetheless disconcerting.

Over the past three decades, the Environmental Protection Agency has earned a well-deserved reputation as the guardian of many facets of our natural environment.  Nowhere has this defense been felt more tangibly in the City of Philadelphia than with the protection of the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my Legislative Assistant, Liz King, at (202) 225-4001 with any questions.  My office will be following up shortly on this request for information. 

Very truly yours,
Chaka Fattah
Member of Congress