Addicted To Drinking Water

An Associated Press investigation found that U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways. These drugs often find their way to drinking water sources.

The report said, “Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients are used in a variety of manufacturing, including drugmaking: For example, lithium is used to make ceramics and treat bipolar disorder; nitroglycerin is a heart drug and also used in explosives; copper shows up in everything from pipes to contraceptives.”

The EPA has issued a statement:
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are being discovered in our Nation’s waters at very low concentrations. Pharmaceuticals refer to prescription and over-the-counter therapeutic drugs and veterinary drugs. Personal care products refer to products used for personal and cosmetic reasons such as soaps, fragrances, and cosmetics.

We are responding to the issues of PPCPs in water with a four-pronged strategy aimed at:

1. improving science;
2. improving public understanding;
3. identifying partnership and stewardship opportunities; and
4. taking regulatory action when appropriate.