Occurrence, fate and transport of emerging contaminants in drinking water supplies in the Susquehanna River Basin-Dataset

A large variety of chemicals used in day to day life, including prescription drugs, over the-counter medications, and personal care products among others have been identified as emerging contaminants because they are biologically active and have known or suspected endocrine disrupting properties. While these compounds are considered to be water pollutants, they are not yet regulated by any water quality standards. The goal of this project funded by the Pennsylvania Sea Grant was to evaluate the occurrence, fate and transport of a suite of emerging contaminants in drinking water sources in and assess their removal during drinking water treatment across the Susquehanna River Basin. At minimum, emerging contaminants assessed included PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products) specified by the funding source (acetaminophen, ampicillin, caffeine, naproxen, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, metformin and triclosan). This collection presents data collected from six drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) through a partnership with the Pennsylvania American Water company. The locations of the sites are confidential, but DWTP A, B, and C utilize reservoir sources while DWTP D, E, and F are of riverine sources. Through a collaboration with the Pennsylvania Master Well Owner Network (MWON), data collected from private wells and springs located in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Basins are also included.