Drugs in the city's water? You betcha. The Environmental Working Group explains that and more in its recent article.
According to the Environmental Working Group, at least 41 million Americans are drinking water contaminated with pharmaceuticals.
"Environmental Working Group analysis shows that of the top 200 drugs in the U.S., 13 percent list serious side effects at levels less than 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) in human blood, with some causing potential health risks in the parts-per-trillion range. EWG calls on EPA to take swift action to set standards for pollutants in tap water that will protect the health of Americans nationwide, including children and others most vulnerable to health risks from these exposures."
How do the drugs get into the water? It starts with human consumption and ends with the sewer and water systems. Because water treatment plants are not prepared to treat water for pharmaceuticals, a controversial amount ends up back in American tap faucets. This is a large concern for Californians who are trying to reduce the chemicals to which they are exposed, especially if infants are involved.
One way to help prevent pharmaceuticals from getting in your city's water is checking on your local municipal. Wanna know how California fares? Check out the EWG's Tap Water Quality Database.