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September 02, 2005
Don't Drink the Water
I grew up drinking spring water and swimming in creeks, but I don't do that anymore. Here's why.
A study of area water released by the United States Geological Survey on Thursday found 42 different organic chemicals in area streams and rivers, including some antibiotics.
....
The report found the most common organic compounds of the ones tested for were caffeine, phenol (found in disinfectants and some industrial processes), para-Cresol (disinfectant and wood preservative), and acetyl hexamethyl tetrahydro naphthalene (musk fragrance).
Not to mention the phosphorus, nitrogen, antibiotics and other nasties from all the chicken shit spread on the fields around here. Shit'll kill ya, it will.
The only water I'll drink that hasn't been treated and/or filtered is at my parents' house. And that's because I know it comes from an underground spring in an area far away from chicken houses and urban development. Though I'm sure it's just a matter of time before it becomes as nasty as the rest of the water in northern Arkansas.
If something isn't done, we are going to be paying a hefty price for this for generations to come.
Like the Ancient Mariner, we'll have water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.
Posted by Rita at September 2, 2005 01:59 AM