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Is Milwaukee's Tap Water Safe?

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Is Milwaukee's Tap Water Safe?

By Katie DeLong

MILWAUKEE - Is there something in the water? A new study finds all kinds of drugs in the nation's drinking water. Scientists found antibiotics, mood stabilizers and even sex hormones in drinking supplies all over the country. Small traces of two drugs were found in Milwaukee’s drinking water. The Associated Press investigation has some parents worried about what's their kids are drinking. "I find it very alarming,” parent Michele Lauenstein said. Water testing in Milwaukee found very small traces of cotinine, which comes from nicotine, and lincomycin, an antibiotic, but Milwaukee Water Works says those chemicals were found at water treatment plants, but not in the water running from your tap. They say the city's tap water is clean and safe. "We are one of the leaders in testing for these kind of chemicals in drinking water,” Carrie Lewis of Milwaukee Water Works said. The Health Department also says Milwaukee’s tap water is clean and safe. “At this time there does not appear to be an imminent public health threat to the community,” Paul Biedrzycki of the Milwaukee Health Dept. said. The Health Department says Milwaukee’s water is safe since the chemicals are in extremely small doses, but some are still worried. The concern over all the chemicals has led more and more people to believe that bottled water is the answer. Marcela Rew says she won't drink plain tap water. "I filter the water. Filtered water, that's what I use,” Rew explained. Many experts say that bottled water and filtering won't help. Bottled water isn't even tested for prescription drugs, and experts say purifying the water can't completely remove traces of drugs, but some people are still thinking about turning the tap off. A big part of the problem is people flushing their prescription drugs down the toilet. MMSD is holding a medicine collection day at six sites on April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to properly dispose of pills so they don't end up in the drinking water.