Estrogen in Water Supply: An Assessment of the Presence of Estrogenic Compounds in Drinking Water and Associated Human Health Risks

Estrogenic-containing or mimicking compounds in surface or drinking water is of particular interest when seeking answers to whether or not the present levels are adverse. An increase in the use of synthetic estrogen, estrogen mimicking compounds, and endocrine disrupting chemicals such as in pharmaceuticals and pesticides creates a rising concern for human health (Conley et al., 2017). For the purpose of this research, naturally occurring estrogenic compounds are ignored. As society uses more synthetically produced materials containing possible endocrine disrupting estrogenic compounds, a growing risk of negative consequences can result for aquatic life and evidently human health. Investigating the trends in change and sources of the issue allows for a deeper understanding of potential sources of the problem. Although drinking water treatment is substantial, the detectable estrogenic levels that may be present can pose harm such as reproductive problems and cancer (Conley et al., 2017). Current literature lacks the connection between well-established, detected estrogenic levels in water and if these levels pose concern. Determining that the current levels are worrisome by intertwining the research, poses a promise towards increasing reasoning for further research regarding the detected levels in water in order to control and decrease further effects. Compiling the information creates an incentive to argue for change to occur to combat the growing problem of the rise in estrogen such as facilitating more public awareness, increasing research, and proposing extensive use of successful water treatment techniques.