Testing for estrogen in water is lengthy, and is an expensive process. Although little testing has been done, research and interest in estrogen testing and removal has grown in the past decade. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, gas chromatography-tendem mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry when used on three potent steroidal estrogens in water. These methods also work with for testing larger freshwater sources for estrogen. Out of the three methods, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was found to be the best method to analyze estrogen levels in fresh water (D.P. Grover, 2009).Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science
A research team from the Associated Press tested sediments from a freshwater source and an estuary source. They found that estrogen levels in shallow groundwater were approximately 28.8 parts per billion. The shallow groundwater measurement was taken from 10-18 centimeters below the ground. This was much greater than the 3.3 parts per billion measurement in surface sediment. This test showed the danger of estrogen pollution in our groundwater, and documented the high concentration it has in our groundwater (Labadie, 2007).
The Associated Press released a study that they performed in March 2008 that reported finds of estrogen among more than 50 other prescription drugs in the water that goes to 41 million people. The AP also said that these drugs have been found in the water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas such as Detroit[does this now explain LarryD?], Louisville, Southern California, and Northern New Jersey. Now, these levels of the pharmaceutical contaminants are safe according to drinking water guidelines, but studies show that mutations and sexual changes can still occur in animals even at low levels (“Pink Water,” 2010).
So how much of that estrogen is taxpayer funded estrogen? Maybe we should ask Sen. Alberta Darling?