Preventing
groundwater
contamination
PHARMACETUCIALS
Pharmaceuticals can enter the environment from factories or individual consumers, passing into wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, and landfills. Once in the environment, they can contaminate surface water, groundwater, and drinking water.
When pharmaceuticals enter water ecosystems, they can accumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms, potentially affecting their behavior, reproduction, and development. Humans consuming contaminated water or fish may experience adverse health effects, such as antibiotic resistance, endocrine disruption, and developmental disorders. Prolonged exposure to even low levels of pharmaceuticals can lead to chronic health problems, including kidney damage, liver damage, and cancer.
How can the individual consumer prevent contaminating water with pharmaceuticals?
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Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Never flush medications down the toilet or drain, unless they are on the FDA Flush List. Instead, take them to a drug take-back program or pharmacy for disposal.
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If you need to flush pills, don't crush or break them. This can help release the ingredients into the water.
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Don't pour liquid medications down the drain. Instead, mix them with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, bag, and throw them away in the trash.
PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used in many industrial and consumer products, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams. PFAS can enter groundwater through several pathways, including wastewater treatment, septic systems, landfills, and firefighting foam usage.
Once in groundwater, PFAS can persist for decades and contaminate drinking water sources. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several adverse health effects in humans, including cancer, developmental disorders, and immune system dysfunction. In ecosystems, PFAS can accumulate in fish and other aquatic organisms, affecting their behavior, reproduction, and development.
How can the individual consumer prevent contaminating water with PFAS?
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Avoid using products that contain PFAS, such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams.
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Dispose of any PFAS-containing products responsibly at designated collection sites or according to local guidelines.
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Stay informed about PFAS contamination by following updates from trusted sources and support initiatives that promote stricter regulations and remediation efforts.
MICROPLASTICS
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in length. They can come from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as plastic bags and bottles, or from microbeads in personal care products. Microplastics can enter groundwater through wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, and landfills. They can also be carried by wind and rain. Once in groundwater, microplastics can contaminate drinking water sources and harm aquatic life.
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Exposure to microplastics has been linked to several adverse health effects, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity. Microplastics can also absorb and release harmful chemicals into the environment. Additionally, microplastics can accumulate in the food chain, potentially harming human health.
How can the individual consumer prevent contaminating water with microplastics?
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Avoid using single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, bottles, and straws.
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Choose products that are made from recycled materials or that are biodegradable.
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Dispose of plastic waste properly by recycling or composting it.