Drinking Water
Water is a resource that everyone uses every day. Whether drinking, cooking, bathing or cleaning, tap water is part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, tap water can contain contaminants that can cause harm to the human body. Recent studies by the EPA, USGA and the National Academy of Sciences found trace amounts of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. While the levels of contaminants are low, it is not understood how they will react once inside of the human body. Variables such as drug interaction, health of the person, length of exposure and drug build up have potential for negative effects on humans. Scientists know, through laboratory tests on fish, that pharmaceutical waste can have catastrophic effects on the health of animals.
New York Times-Reports on Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water - investigative feature detailing the issues caused by drinking water contamination. Interactive feature allows the user to search for their municipal water treatment plant to see if there are unsafe levels of particular contaminants including pharmaceuticals
New Scientist - Compounds Found in Drinking Water - the 11 most common chemical compounds found in our drinking water
CBS News - Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water -CBS report on how pharmaceuticals end up in drinking water and the effects that have on the environment.
