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~~ Elk River Municipal Utility Nlr. Bryan C. Adams <br />1il.G i l l~"~ ~'~",f~,~ <br />'~' ~ ~ <br />~,"' ~ ~~ <br />{~:; <br />~„ { <br />,~ ~, ~o mh~w,~ -~~~~~ ~+u~aWr ~,~,. ~~ ~ u <br />~~,i <br />t~ <br />u~nwm~ ~ 3 <br />Disposing of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Cane Products <br />What You Need to Know <br />Today's advanced water monitoring technology allows researchers to detect compounds from <br />pharmaceuticals and personal care products in very small amounts in waterways and, in some cases, <br />drinking water supplies, While research hasn't demonstrafed human health impacts at these levels, the <br />water community continues to pay close attention to scientific developments in this area, <br />Just the Facts... <br />Because water professionals have the technology today to detect more <br />substances - at lower levels -than ever before, pharmaceutical compounds and <br />personal care products are being found at very low levels in some of our nation's <br />lakes, rivers and streams. <br />The fact that a substance is detectable does not mean the substance is harmful <br />to humans. To date, research throughout the world has not demonstrated an <br />impact on human health from pharmaceuticals atthe low levels found in some <br />drinking water supplies. <br />However... <br />• While pharmaceuticals and personal care products are rarely found even in very <br />low levels in drinking water, some scientists are concerned about the possible <br />cumulative effects of long-term exposure. <br />• While most pharmaceuticals and personal care products are known compounds, <br />they may react in ways that are different from their intended purpose once they <br />are introduced into the environment. <br />How should /dispose of unused medicines? <br />The best and most cost-effective way to ensure safe water at the tap is to keep <br />our source waters clean. As a society, we should encourage policies that protect <br />source water from contaminants introduced by human activity. You can help by <br />refraining from flushing unused medications down toilet or sink. Instead, find out <br />if your pharmacy accepts medications for disposal, or contact the local health <br />department for information about proper disposal of medications, cleaning <br />products, pesticides, and automotive products. For more information on this and <br />all water quality issues, contact your local utility. <br />(763) 441-8099 From' AWWAAssn (303) 347-0804 12/20/07 04~04PM <br />