Crystal Harbor Bottled Water Analysis

by Jessica Wu

For this analysis, I purchased several of our water bottles from different grocery stores and other retailers in
the metro Atlanta area. I went to two independent laboratories to have every bottle tested. In each area, I
discovered several contaminants, some existing in levels that exceed legal limits as well as the quality
standards we have set for ourselves.

Every one out of five bottles contained trihalomethanes (THMs) at levels that exceed our quality standard,
including high levels of chloroform and bromodichloromethane, which are known to be carcinogenic​.

Location of purchase Contaminants detected Detected value, ppb*

Chloroform 31
East Point Bromodichloromethane 4.9

Total trihalomethanes 36
Chloroform 19
College Park Bromodichloromethane 2.6

Total trihalomethanes 22
Chloroform 20
Riverdale Bromodichloromethane 4

Total trihalomethanes 24
Chloroform 25
Forest Park Bromodichloromethane 3.8

Total trihalomethanes 29
Chloroform 12
Douglasville Bromodichloromethane 1.9

Total trihalomethanes 14
Chloroform 10
Decatur Bromodichloromethane 12.7

Total trihalomethanes 23
Chloroform 18
Marietta Bromodichloromethane 3.9

Total trihalomethanes 22
*ppb = parts per billion
These levels of THMs are all below FDA and Georgia regulations (both 80 ppb), but our quality standards are
10 ppb. We currently claim that our water meets our standards, but my tests indicate that this is far from
true. Our true detection levels are barely better than East Point’s municipal drinking water levels.

I have also found an abnormal level of pharmaceutical chemicals in the water, including very high levels of
hyoscine, oxycodone, and ephedrine, in water bottles from three regions: East Point, College Park, and Forest
Park. Acetaminophen and caffeine were also present in every location, but at levels far below what is found in
a normal Tylenol dose or cup of coffee.

Chemical Range of detections, ppm* Average Detected value, ppm*

Hyoscine .01 - .97 .52
Oxycodone .01 - .22 .13
Ephedrine .01 - .73 .46
Caffeine .01 - .12 .08
Acetaminophen .01 - .14 .04
*ppm = parts per million