The U.S. Geological Survey has investigated emerging contaminants across the nation, including several rivers and reservoirs in central North Carolina. Mary Giorgino discussed current emerging-contaminants research and presented results of recent investigations in North Carolina. Topics included:

• What types of chemicals were detected?
• Where were they found?
• How did results compare with water-quality benchmarks and with other areas of the country?
• How are industry and government responding?
• What does the future hold for water managers?