Are There Drugs in Your Drinking Water?

By Pamela Mortimer

Medications are everywhere. According to a new study released Monday by The Associated Press, 41 million Americans may be drinking water containing a wide array of drugs. Some of the pollutants may include antibiotics, mood stabilizers, sex hormones, and anti-seizure medications. The study shows that the trace amounts of the drugs are minute, measured in quantities of parts per billion or trillion, which falls far below standard medical dosage. Also included in the water may be over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Although the traces are small, the appearance in our drinking water has scientists concerned about long-term consequences to human health.

The number of places affected by the pollution is immense. The five-month study shows that drinking water in 24 major metropolitan areas has been contaminated. The locations range from Southern California to New Jersey, from Michigan to Kentucky.

Despite the findings, utility companies insist that the water is safe for consumption. It has also been discovered that water providers rarely release results of pharmaceutical screenings. In fact, the head of a group representing major California suppliers said the public "doesn't know how to interpret the information" and therefore, might be "unduly alarmed". Despite the fact that water is treated before being piped into houses, businesses and schools, most treatments are unable to completely remove drug residue.

While it remains unclear what the exact risks are from decades of continual exposure to random mixtures of low levels of pharmaceuticals, recent studies have established alarming consequences on human cells and wildlife.

"We recognize it is a growing concern and we're taking it very seriously," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, assistant administrator for water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The study shows that members of the AP 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". The team also surveyed water providers to the 50 largest cities in the U.S. as well as smaller community water providers in all 50 states.

Following are some key test results:

Philadelphia – Officials discovered 56 pharmaceuticals or byproducts in treated drinking water, including medicines for pain, asthma, infection, epilepsy, high cholesterol, mental illness and heart conditions.
Southern California – A portion of the treated drinking water serving 18.5 million people contained anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medications.

San Francisco – The water tested in this area showed signs of a sex hormone.

Washington, D.C. - Six pharmaceuticals were detected in the water.

Surprisingly, the federal government does not require testing for drugs in water and therefore lacks safety requirements. Out of the 62 major water providers contacted during the investigation, only 28 had their water tested. Among the 34 that haven't: Houston, Boston, Miami, Chicago, Phoenix, Baltimore, and New York City's Department of Environmental Protection, which delivers water to approximately 9 million people.