Drugs in Our Water

An immense amount of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, antidepressants, and hormones have been found in millions of Americans’ drinking water. The pharmaceutical industry says that the amount is so small that it is harmless to human beings; however, long term effects are unknown. The issue led to nationwide media coverage and increased scrutiny, and researchers from the EPA and local water districts are ensuring that the water is safe to drink.

How Pharmaceuticals & Hormones Get Into Our Water

Drugs get into water because of the basic cycle of how water is made. When people take pills, most of the drugs are absorbed, but the rest passes through and is made into waste. Waste water is treated before going into natural water. Then, some of that water is treated and made into drinking water. But through all of those treatment processes not all of drug residue is completely removed.

Should You Take Up Bottled Water as a Result?

At this point, while people are concerned with the intake of bottled water, others point to the fact that most bottled water is simply repackaged tap water—with further environmental costs. There is not yet any indication that bottled water is any safer than tap water, and in some cases it may even be worse. Bottled water, unlike most tap water, is untreated. Some corporations are suggesting that tap water should be consumed instead of bottled water. The promoters of this idea are considered part of the “Think Outside the Bottle” campaign. How Drugs in the Water May Affect You

Overall, the goal is to find out what side effects may occur from the small amount of drug intake in our drinking water—not only for those who don’t take prescription medication already, but especially for those that do.

Some question whether or not small doses can counteract with something that is already being put in the body. People who currently take multiple or large amounts of prescription drugs may be most at risk by drinking this water.