Associated Press Investigation: Pharmaceuticals Found In Drinking Water
An investigation by the Associated Press in 2008 found at least 24 major metropolitan areas in the United States have low-level concentrations of pharmaceuticals in their drinking water supplies. The federal government does not regulate prescription drugs in water. It does not require testing and has not set safety limits for drugs in water.
Read the 2008 series and media stories responding to it.
- Some pharmaceuticals, like those that lower cholesterol, resist treatment processes.
- Chlorinating drinking water makes some pharmaceuticals more toxic. This is a common water-treatment practice.
- Unlike the regulated pollutants, which are often found in higher concentrations, pharmaceuticals were designed to affect the human body at very low concentrations.
Because we consume significant amounts of water daily, scientists are concerned about continuous, long-term exposure to:
- certain drugs,
- combinations of drugs and
- drug interactions.
EPA Chief Sees Need To Address Water Challenges A Sept. 22, 2011 article by the BizTimes Milwaukee
Odd Chemicals Turn Up In Drinking Water An Aug. 6, 2011 article by the Chicago Tribune
Chicago Water: In Public Reports, City Silent Over Sex Hormones And Painkillers Found In Treated Drinking Water A July 14, 2009 article by the Chicago Tribune
City of Chicago Drinking Water Test Results Read the introduction then click on Table A for the most recent test results
City of Milwaukee Drinking Water Quality Access links to various reports here.
2010 Annual Milwaukee Water Quality Report
What are pharmaceuticals and personal-care products (PPCPs)?
Nicolet Natural Bottled Water Test Results Nicolet Forest Bottling Company recently made a significant investment to test its artesian water from a protected source for drugs and personal-care products. See what isn't in our water.