Those hormones are then not captured by the standard sewage treatments and end up being released into the fresh water of the area.

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As the waters of the Gulf are relatively shallow with an average at about 35 metres, it can be assumed that prior to 14, 000 years ago this now submerged area was an open landscape with a supply of fresh water from Euphrates and Tigris.

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Keyser said the area figures it has about a 60-year supply of crisp, fresh water for its residents.

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