Feds Are Slow To Regulate Potomac Pollutants

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) -- A new report says federal regulations are behind the times in dealing with chemicals making their way into the nation's rivers.

And that's important for the Washington area, which draws 90 percent of its drinking water from the Potomac River.

The report was released Wednesday by the Potomac Conservancy. The group says the chemicals include so-called endocrine disruptors, which are being eyed as the possible cause of intersex fish that have both male and female traits. Researchers are concerned that whatever is responsible for intersex fish may also be harming humans.

The group says endocrine disruptors are found in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, animal feed, and other products, and are not removed during wastewater or drinking water treatment.