Pharmaceuticals found in drinking water of 24 major metro areas

3/9/2008, 12:32 p.m. EDT The Associated Press

Columbus, Ohio: 5

(azithromycin, roxithromycin, tylosin, virginiamycin and caffeine)

(AP) — At least one pharmaceutical was detected in tests of treated drinking water supplies for 24 major metropolitan areas, according to an Associated Press survey of 62 major water providers and data obtained from independent researchers.

Only 28 tested drinking water. Three of those said results were negative; Dallas says tests were conducted but results are not yet available. Thirty-four locations said no testing was conducted.

Test protocols varied widely. Some researchers looked only for one pharmaceutical or two; others looked for many.