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Environmental Commission
Prescription Drugs = Water Contamination
Posted: August 14, 2009
Over the past few years, scientists have been alarmed to find that many waterways now contain chemicals from prescription medicines. Hormones, antibiotics and other chemicals may be harming fish and are also appearing in drinking water supplies. In 2002, the US Geologic Survey found such contaminants in 80% of US streams. How did they get there? People are using toilets and garbage collection to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals, and from there, these drugs make their way into surface and groundwater supplies. This identification of this problem is so new that no government guidelines exist, but experts recommend: o Ask your pharmacy if they will take back medications. o Find out about household hazardous waste disposal days—in our area, this occurs on the first Saturday of June and November (double-check at the town hail by calling 973-347-2500 ext. 125). o Go to for other suggestions. o If you must put pharmaceuticals in the garbage, scratch out your name, add a small amount of water to pills or flour to liquids to discourage use of the drug by others, put them in another container to disguise them, and put them in the trash just before pick-up. This article courtesy of the Byram Township Environmental Commission, with information obtained from the AARP Bulletin ofJwmary 2007.