Chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of  the complex endocrine system are known as "endocrine disruptors." Disruption of the endocrine system can occur in various ways.

For example, some chemicals may mimic a natural hormone, fooling the body into over-responding to the hormone. Other chemicals may block the effects of a hormone in parts of the body normally sensitive to it. Still others may directly stimulate or inhibit the endocrine system, leading, to overproduction or underproduction of hormones. Certain drugs are used to intentionally cause some of these effects, such as birth control pills.

Does EPA recommend that people drinking from private wells test their water for the presence of endocrine disruptors, and if so, how should they do that?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) does not regulate private wells. However, EPA recommends that if a private well owner suspects that there is a potential for contamination, the water should be tested for those contaminants of potential concern. For example, a shallow well in an agricultural area with heavy pesticide use should be tested for the presence of those pesticides of concern.

Private well owners can request assistance from the appropriate State authority to have their water tested for the presence of those potential endocrine disruptors that are currently regulated in drinking water. There are laboratories throughout the United States certified to conduct testing for regulated drinking water contaminants. States can provide information on laboratories that are certified. Certified laboratories should be used to ensure that the testing results are reliable.

Home water purification may be your key to solving this problem.

Is bottled water in plastic containers safe to drink?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates bottled water, not EPA. FDA investigates the potential toxicity of leaching chemicals and establishes safe levels for contaminants in bottled water. There is currently no indication that contaminants from leaching or from the water source are a problem in bottled water.

Therefore, EPA believes that bottled water is generally safe to drink.

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