Environmental watch

March 14, 2008 | Print

Drugs in Drinking Water

A recent Associated Press investigation found trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in the drinking water of 24 cities across the United States.

Certain drugs, including antibiotics, epilepsy medications, sex hormones and pain relievers, pass through those taking the medications into the water system. Water treatment plants lack a filtration system for drugs, and the chlorine often added to clean water may magnify the toxicity of some drugs.

Many water suppliers measure for pharmaceuticals without sharing the results with customers. They also may test for only a few kinds of drugs. In smaller towns and rural areas, the water is often not tested for pharmaceuticals.

Where drugs are found, the argument has been that the levels are so low, the water is still safe. Aware of the impact that drugs in the waterways have on wildlife, researchers are concerned that even in small amounts, the long term exposure may have an effect on people too and deserves further study.

Drugs have been detected in waters throughout the world, so it’s not just a U.S. problem.

After the results of the AP investigation, Congress plans to hold hearings this spring about drugs in drinking water and the EPA’s response.

Our question is what can we do now, besides dispose of unused medications safely. Bottled water often comes from tap water that is not tested or filtered for drugs, and water from springs and wells may still be contaminated from drugs absorbed into the watershed.

Reverse osmosis does screen out drugs from water, and an under the counter system fits below the kitchen sink. We’ve used H3Environmental’s Triple Pure Water Filter. Plumbers are often familiar with water filtration systems and can make a recommendation as well.

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