AWWA comments on AP pharmaceuticals report

Source: AWWA Public Affairs Staff

The Associated Press will publish a series of articles next week regarding the occurrence of trace levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking water. While the issue of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water is not new, the series may prompt concern among consumers. Tom Curtis, deputy executive director of the American Water Works Association, issued the following statement:

"The first priority of the water community is protecting public health. As part of that commitment, water professionals have been researching the occurrence of personal care products and pharmaceutical compounds in drinking water supplies for more than 30 years.

"Today’s advanced technology has allowed scientists to detect more substances – at lower levels – than ever before. To date, however, research throughout the world has not demonstrated an impact on human health from pharmaceuticals in drinking water at the trace levels at which they have been found. People regularly consume or expose themselves to products containing these compounds in much higher concentrations through medicines, food and beverage and other sources.

"The ongoing conversation about these substances should remind us of how precious our source waters are and the need to protect them. The best and most cost-effective way to ensure safe water at the tap is to keep our source waters clean."

Media note: Tom Curtis is available for comment on the water community’s approach to water treatment and protecting public health. Contact Greg Kail at 303-913-0063 or gkail@awwa.org. Local media are also encouraged to contact their local water providers for information.

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AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.