Clean Water Action welcomes today's Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment hearing on "Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Drinking Water." Growing evidence of occurrence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the nation's water bodies, including sources of drinking water, has led to widespread concern that merits not only new research and water policy but an "upstream" approach as well.

Clean Water Action supports increased research, strengthening drinking water regulations and modernizing treatment wherever needed. However, cost-effective and long-term solutions will be found by also looking upstream for solutions to many of our critical water challenges. Important policy changes include restoring Clean Water Act protections to all of our nation's water bodies and overhauling our chemical management policies.

Looking upstream means addressing contamination concerns at the source wherever possible. One critical step is reform of the nation's primary chemicals management law - the Toxic Substances Control Act - to keep the worst toxic chemicals off the market and to reduce exposures of chemicals known to cause harm. Restoring Clean Water Act protection for all water bodies and pursuing "smart, clean and green" water use and management innovations will also promote a more integrated approach to concerns about a myriad of water problems.

This shift in focus toward prevention needs to occur at the same time that our research, regulatory, pollution control and treatment efforts are improved. We know enough now to know that this class of chemicals interferes with the fundamental workings of the human body, as well as those of wildlife including fish relied upon for food. Where we can eliminate this concern by looking "upstream," that is the cost-effective course of action.