"Drinking water for Washington, D.C. has tested positive for six pharmaceuticals in a recent study. However, the presence of drugs in the drinking water isn't limited to the US capital region", reports RTT News on the water safety issue.

Statement from the American Environmental Protection Agency On Water

"America's water is the envy of the world and we're committed to responsible action that keeps drugs out of sewers and streams," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Administrator for Water.

The United States has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world, and EPA is committed to keeping our water clean and healthy. It is important to remember that the toilet is not a trash can, and we encourage safe disposal practices of unused prescription drugs to help keep pharmaceuticals out of the water.

EPA is concerned about the detection of a growing number of pharmaceuticals and other personal care products in water. These contaminants occur at very low levels in water, and we continue to evaluate their effects on public health and aquatic life.

Over the last few years, EPA has significantly increased our efforts to analyze the health effects of contaminants at low levels, when they occur in water, and how to best remove them from wastewater and drinking water. We are carrying out national studies and surveys to inform our next steps. We are reviewing emerging contaminants for regulation, partnering with government agencies and the private sector, and increasing public awareness about product stewardship and pollution prevention.

Shakeba Carter-Jenkins
Press Officer
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency