Drugs in Drinking Water

June Chen, MD

Earlier this month, the Associated Press released information about a five-month inquiry conducted by their National Investigative Team documenting the presence of pharmaceutical drugs in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans. Although the amounts of these drugs are very small, scientists are concerned about consequences to public health with long-term exposure, especially because recent studies had shown adverse effects on wildlife.

Drugs get into drinking water because, when people take pills, their bodies absorb only part of the medication and the rest is passed out of the body in urine and stool. Although waste water is processed at drinking water treatment plants before it is piped back to consumers, drug residue may remain in the water. The investigation found trace amounts of pharmaceutical drugs in watersheds and the drinking water distribution system, as well as in aquifers deep beneath the surface.

The federal government does not currently require any testing for drugs in water, and there are no federal regulations on the safety limits for drugs in water. In response to this investigation, Senate hearings have been scheduled and the pharmaceutical industry will be launching a new initiative on the safe disposal of unused medicines. In addition to widespread community testing of drinking water, public education is essential.

Source
Adapted from Associated Press, March 10 and March 16, 2008.

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