March 13, 2008

Water district treatment processes help remove traces of pharmaceuticals

With recent reports of trace pharmaceuticals found in drinking water in the Bay Area, the Santa Clara Valley Water District officials say they have been closely monitoring the recent research on the issue and has tested its raw water supply for traces of pharmaceuticals.

According to a new Associated Press study that has been widely reported in the national and local media, pharmaceuticals—including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones—have been found in the country’s drinking water supplies.

With improvement in analytical methods, water professionals are now able to measure pharmaceutical and personal care products at the parts per trillion range, which is equivalent to 1/20th of a drop of water in an Olympic pool.

In our testing of source water, we found only minute detections of pharmaceuticals. Research throughout the world has not demonstrated an impact on human health from pharmaceuticals and personal care products in drinking water.

While the water district continues to actively address emerging issues, including pharmaceuticals in water, the best and most cost-effective way to ensure safe water at the tap is to keep our source waters clean. The community can assist by following the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which recommends not flushing prescription drugs down the toilet unless the accompanying patient information specifically instructs it is safe to do so.

For more information on this and other water quality issues, contact Susan Siravo at (408) 265-2607, ext. 2290.