Pharmaceuticals in the Water

Members of the Associated Press National Investigative Team reviewed hundreds of scientific reports, analyzed federal drinking water databases, visited environmental study sites and treatment plants and interviewed more than 230 officials, academics and scientists. They also surveyed the nations 50 largest cities and a dozen other major water providers, as well as smaller community water providers in all 50 states.   Here are their findings: 

In the 5 month study a vast array of pharmaceuticals- including antibiotics, anti-consultants, mood stabilizers, sex hormones, heart medicines, tranquilizers, caffeine and disinfectants in antibacterial soaps have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans from California to New Jersey.

Researchers do not know the exact affects of exposure to pharmaceuticals over decades, but recent studies have found alarming effects on human cells and wildlife. Recent Laboratory research has found that small amounts of medications have affected human embryonic kidney cells, human blood cells and human breast cancer cells. In the wild, male fish are being feminized, creating egg yolk proteins, a process usually restricted to females. Male fathead minnows, living downstream to feedlots where steroid levels are four times higher than up stream, had low levels of testosterone and small heads. EPA research biologist told the AP. Pharmaceuticals also are affecting sentinel species at the foundation of the pyramid of life – such as earth worms in the wild and zooplankton in the laboratory, studies show.

            How do the drugs get into the water?

People take pills. Portions of the medicines not absorbed pass through and are flushed down the toilet. The waste water is treated before it is discharged into reservoirs, rivers or lakes. Then, some of the water is cleansed again at drinking water treatment plants and piped to consumers. But most treatments do not remove all drug residues. Some drugs resist modern drinking water and wastewater treatment processes. Plus, the EPA says there are no sewage treatment systems specifically engineered to remove pharmaceuticals and the federal government doesn’t require any testing and hasn’t set safety limits for drugs in water.

Pharmaceuticals permeate aquifers deep underground, Federal scientists who drew water in 24 states from aquifers near contaminant sources such as landfills (similar to the “Peoria Disposal hazardous landfill that sits atop a complex water system” apr.18,2006 week.com) found levels of hormones, antibiotics and other drugs. Over the past 5 years, the number of U.S. prescriptions rose 12% to a record 3.7 billion. Other sources such as veterinary drugs also play a role which rose by 8% last year.

            Long term affects?

There’s growing concern in the scientific community that certain drugs may harm humans over decades because water, unlike most specific foods, is consumed in sizable amounts every day.

Our bodies may shrug off a relatively big one-time dose, yet suffer from a smaller amount delivered continuously over a half century, perhaps subtly stirring allergies or nerve damage. Pregnant women, the elderly and the very ill might be more sensitive.

Some experts say medications may pose a unique danger because, unlike most pollutants, they were crafted to act on the human body. “These are chemicals that are designed to have very specific effects at very low concentrations. That’s what pharmaceuticals do. So when they get out to the environment, it should not be a shock to people that they have effects.” J. Sumpter Brunel unv. There’s also evidence that adding chlorine, a common process in conventional drinking water treatment plants, makes some pharmaceuticals more toxic.

One technology removes virtually all pharmaceutical contaminants.

Superior Water has that one technology and so much more. We can call and set a time to test your water and check over your existing system for free, so you can learn all about Superior Water’s technology and how we can help protect you and your family.                  

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