Drugs Found in Drinking Water
The Associated Press reported in March 2008 that trace levels of pharmaceuticals have been found in numerous water supplies in the nation. Scientists and chemists have developed new analytical methods in the last decade that are much more sensitive than ever before and therefore are now able to detect these chemicals. They originate from humans and animals after they have taken drugs for their intended therapeutic effects. Treated wastes are discharged into and blended with rivers and streams that become sources of supply for downstream users. The levels of detection are in parts per trillion, and are 3 to 6 orders of magnitude lower than other chemicals typically found in drinking water. A person would need to drink up to 120 times the volume of an Olympic size swimming pool to obtain the equivalent dose of one pill.Research continues to be conducted on both refining the laboratory methods used to detect the chemicals, toxicological effects on humans and environmental impacts, and methods of treatment. The effect on human health to long term exposure at such extremely low levels is unknown. There is evidence that suggest exposure at the low levels of drugs do have an effect on fish and other wildlife in the aquatic habitat.
Because this issue has received so much attention, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has convened an advisory panel comprised of distinguished experts in their respective fields of study to investigate pharmaceuticals and other drugs, all considered Constituents of Emerging Concern (CEC), and provide recommendations on how to best proceed. Members of this panel represent different areas of expertise, including human health toxicology, biochemistry, civil engineering, epidemiology and risk assessment, environmental toxicology and analytical chemistry. A report will be provided to the SWRCB in 2010.
http://www.sccwrp.org/view.php?id=574
The WRD has been monitoring new developments as they occur and have partnered with other agencies to investigate occurrence, toxicological impacts and potential treatment of pharmaceuticals.
AP: Drugs found in drinking water
Cities rarely release water test results
Little done to test, limit contaminated water
Fish, wildlife affected by contaminated water
No standards in place for bottled water
