AP Story: Drinking from the Tap is Like Drinking from a Pharmacy

By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD, Associated Press Writers Jeff Donn, Martha Mendoza And Justin Pritchard, Associated Press Writers – Mon Apr 20,
Sun Apr 19, 12:40 PM ET
In this photo taken on Feb. 26, 2009, aeration basins are seen in operation at the Wilmington Wastewater Treatment Plant in Wilmington, Del. Scientists took samples from the Delaware River nearby and found elevated concentrations of the painkiller codeine that are prompting them to try and track the source of the drug; this treatment plant handles sewage from a nearby pharmaceutical factory that makes codeine.

U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water — contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.

Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients are used in a variety of manufacturing, including drugmaking: For example, lithium is used to make ceramics and treat bipolar disorder; nitroglycerin is a heart drug and also used in explosives; copper shows up in everything from pipes to contraceptives.
Federal and industry officials say they don't know the extent to which pharmaceuticals are released by U.S. manufacturers because no one tracks them — as drugs. But a close analysis of 20 years of federal records found that, in fact, the government unintentionally keeps data on a few, allowing a glimpse of the pharmaceuticals coming from factories.

As part of its ongoing PharmaWater investigation about trace concentrations of pharmaceuticals in drinking water, AP identified 22 compounds that show up on two lists: the EPA monitors them as industrial chemicals that are released into rivers, lakes and other bodies of water under federal pollution laws, while the Food and Drug Administration classifies them as active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The data don't show precisely how much of the 271 million pounds comes from drugmakers versus other manufacturers; also, the figure is a massive undercount because of the limited federal government tracking.

To date, drugmakers have dismissed the suggestion that their manufacturing contributes significantly to what's being found in water. Federal drug and water regulators agree.

But some researchers say the lack of required testing amounts to a 'don't ask, don't tell' policy about whether drugmakers are contributing to water pollution.
"It doesn't pass the straight-face test to say pharmaceutical manufacturers are not emitting any of the compounds they're creating," said Kyla Bennett, who spent 10 years as an EPA enforcement officer before becoming an ecologist and environmental attorney.

Pilot studies in the U.S. and abroad are now confirming those doubts.
Last year, the AP reported that trace amounts of a wide range of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in American drinking water supplies. Including recent findings in Dallas, Cleveland and Maryland's Prince George's and Montgomery counties, pharmaceuticals have been detected in the drinking water of at least 51 million Americans.
Most cities and water providers still do not test. Some scientists say that wherever researchers look, they will find pharma-tainted water.

Consumers are considered the biggest contributors to the contamination. We consume drugs, then excrete what our bodies don't absorb. Other times, we flush unused drugs down toilets. The AP also found that an estimated 250 million pounds of pharmaceuticals and contaminated packaging are thrown away each year by hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Researchers have found that even extremely diluted concentrations of drugs harm fish, frogs and other aquatic species. Also, researchers report that human cells fail to grow normally in the laboratory when exposed to trace concentrations of certain drugs. Some scientists say they are increasingly concerned that the consumption of combinations of many drugs, even in small amounts, could harm humans over decades.

Utilities say the water is safe. Scientists, doctors and the EPA say there are no confirmed human risks associated with consuming minute concentrations of drugs. But those experts also agree that dangers cannot be ruled out, especially given the emerging research.

Putting Dehydration On Ice…Water

TUCSON, AZ – The temperature in Arizona is up – way up. As spring weather moves in for a retreating winter, Arizona residents have to take extra precautions to stay safe in one of the hottest climates in the U.S. Proper hydration is one of the most essential factors in fighting desert heat, and Culligan Water is reaching out to its customers and neighbors to make sure hydration is on the top of everyone’s minds.

“The Arizona lifestyle is facilitated by its generous amount of sunlight and warmth,” says Rex Ruddick, general manager for Culligan Water of Tucson. “But residents of this region should be very aware of the dangers of dehydration, which can lead to everything from discomfort to even death.”

Just a two to five percent loss of fluid can lead to dry skin, muscle cramps, headaches and noticeable fatigue. Anything near 10 percent can dim your vision, cause seizures, shrivel your skin and could ultimately lead to death. Medical professionals are also quick to point out the long-term effects of dehydration can result in permanent damage to internal organs like the kidneys.

According to Ruddick, suitable fluid intake should become a part of every Arizonians daily routine.

“There is a reason a whole aisle at the grocery store is dedicated to water, people want good quality water because it tastes better and is better for you,” adds Ruddick. “The more you drink, the stronger and healthier you feel and the better prepared you are for the Southwest’s high temps. Here at Culligan, we have products that can give you great tasting water from the home faucet, keeping your body and wallet from overheating.”

May is Drinking Water Month

Culligan Declares May “National Drinking Water Month”

U.S. leader in residential drinking water solutions offers consumers free in-home water tests, tips and more economical options for clean, healthy drinking water


CHICAGO, IL – April 20, 2009 – Consumers are drowning in confusion as continued controversy over tap water contamination (i.e. arsenic, lead, radium, chlorine, pharmaceuticals, etc.) rages on. According to a National Consumer Water Quality Association (WQA) Research survey, 67 percent of Americans are concerned about the quality of their household water supply, and more than half plan to purchase home filtration devices. Yet, before choosing a water filtration system, homeowners first need to assess whether they even need to treat their water based on the unique conditions of their regional water source.

Culligan, the leader in home water treatment solutions for more than 70 years, aims to help homeowners make the right decision by offering a free professional water analysis during the month of May. In 1988, former President Ronald Regan declared the first week in May National Drinking Water Week. This year, Culligan is taking this week-long event (May 3-9, 2009) one step further by making May National Drinking Water Month.

Throughout May, homeowners can request a complimentary in-home water assessment from a certified Culligan water professional in their area. A qualified water specialist from among Culligan’s national 800+ dealer network will perform a free analysis by sampling water in the home, testing it for the presence of any contaminants and providing a no-obligation recommendation.

While U.S. residents have a safe water supply through their local municipalities, homeowners without access to public water sources who live on private well systems can benefit from filtered drinking water. Others thirst for more eco-friendly alternatives to landfill-clogging disposable water bottles without sacrificing great-tasting water. Either way, choosing the right in-home water filtration solution can be daunting with so many options flooding the market.

The New Fountain of Youth: Your Faucet

One of the most phenomenal beauty treatments is available to everyone; it’s painless, has positive side affects and an unlimited supply.

It’s water.

Drinking water, according to health and beauty experts, leads to a glowing complexion, clear eyes and the minimization of under-eye circles. If seeking a more youthful appearance, begin by examining your water intake before almost any other step. Opt for a glass of water from a Culligan water cooler or reverse osmosis filter, rather than coffee, soda, juice or even tea. At the end of the day, the simple “eight-glasses-of-water-a-day” rule is an inexpensive way to keep you looking and feeling your best.

Showering with unfiltered water is shown to cause damage and excessive dryness to your hair and skin. Local Culligan dealers say it isn't the actual shower water that gives you that dry feeling after you bathe, but rather chemicals, such as chlorine, found in almost all unfiltered water sources. When showering with soft water, you can literally see and feel the difference.

According to health experts, the old saying, “beauty is only skin deep” doesn’t cover the whole story. Drinking water is as important for your internal health as it is for your external aesthetic. The water you drink carries nutrients to your cells, eliminates toxins and helps to remove waste from your body.

Furthermore, water keeps your metabolism in high gear and provides you with the necessary energy allowing you to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.

Founded in 1936 by Emmett Culligan, Culligan continually develops new technologies to treat hard water and rid water contaminants. All products have been perfected through research and development, set standards in the water treatment industry, and are used by homes and businesses worldwide.

Minneapolis Residents Have Options When It Comes to ‘Smelly’ Water

Recently, Minneapolis residents have been complaining of “smelly” and “bad-tasting” water coming from their city-provided tap water. In a response to these concerns, Culligan Water of Minneapolis is undertaking efforts to educate the area’s citizens about filtration options for the city’s treated water.

“If you are not satisfied with the quality of water coming from your tap, there are solutions out there for you, “ says Kyle LeMay, sales manager of Culligan Water of Minneapolis. “For example, installing a carbon or reverse osmosis filter is one of the best and most economical choices available to improve the taste and condition of the water in your home or office.”

A reverse osmosis filter uses multiple membranes and filters in order to remove various contaminants, both organic and inorganic – including sodium, lead, zinc and pesticides. This type of filtration system is shown to actually remove 99.9% of impurities from the water.

This line of products has become even more relevant since recent news cycles around the country have been filled with city water issues, from rocket fuel component perchlorates to cancer-causing radon.

Even if the Minneapolis’ city water meets the federal and state standards as safe to drink, there still may be trace elements of harmful agents. These filters are considered one of the surest ways to prevent water-borne chemicals and contaminants from affecting yourself, your children and your pets.

“Water is essential to health and any concern about its quality should be addressed quickly and thoroughly,” adds LeMay. “Unappetizing water sets off its own chain of events because it causes hesitation when you reach for that glass of water. You should be confident in the water you drink and cook with, at the very least – it shouldn’t smell.”