Caffeinated Waters

August 5, 2012 By: Erin Block

First hormones and now coffee as contaminate.  New data collected from the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Oregon shows water that tests positive for high levels of caffeine. Ultimately it shows that we impact our water sources even through means we least expect, even through our morning joe.  And while the impact of this stimulant on water and marine life is currently unknown, researchers are working to understand more about its interaction upon the ecosystem. “Caffeine is something of a canary in a coal mine for elevated levels of human contaminants in water,” says hydrologist Dana Kolpin. “In other words, if caffeine’s in the water, chances are there are other contaminants too.”