Recent tests indicate that septic systems may be failing to remove certain chemicals known to interfere with human hormonal regulation and polluting surrounding groundwater which, in turn, feeds many drinking water supplies. Silent Spring Institute in Newton, Massachusetts, performed the tests in Cape Cod where 85 percent of residential and commercial properties use septic systems. The tests found concentrations of chemicals in groundwater, including estrogen excreted in women’s urine and alkyl phenols from detergents. The levels found were similar to those documented to cause reproductive problems in fish swimming in rivers downstream of wastewater treatment facilities. The tests also found caffeine and detergent brightening compounds in groundwater near septic systems.
Although scientists within the Environmental Protection Agency disagree as to whether concentrations of the chemicals being found affect human health, septic system users need to be aware that potentially harmful chemicals may be leaching into their groundwater. While further testing is needed to determine the extent and affect such chemicals may have on drinking water, pregnant women could be at risk since fetuses are especially sensitive to any type of hormonal imbalances during their development.
SOURCE: Environmental and Science Technology, August 2006
It’s not just septic tanks we should be worried about. Water is costing us a big premium and many of you are paying high costs for it. The question is whether the places you are buying it from are giving you water that is any healthier. I recommend reverse osmosis or distilled water with carbon filters as back up. Carbon alone leaves a lot to be desired. For example, a reverse osmosis system costs from $250 – $600 and about $85 to install. The system needs cartridge changes every year that cost about $80. While not inexpensive, it is much more cost effective than buying all that water and wondering. If we are drinking a lot of water, which we should, and it contains lots of unhealthy stuff (caffeine, hormone disrupters, detergents) even in small amounts, that can’t be good for any of us, mostly our children.
God Bless,
Dr. Benzinger
