Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Guidance
While pharmaceutical compounds have been identified in many of our nation’s waterbodies, the City of Fort Collins’ drinking water is safe, according to U.S. Geological Survey studies (PDF) and tests conducted by Fort Collins Utilities. The Utilities is the first municipality to use water from the Poudre River as it flows from the mountains, so this water is virtually untouched. Fort Collins also gets drinking water from Horsetooth Reservoir. The reservoir holds water from a variety of sources, including regulated upstream wastewater treatment facilities in Estes Park that could contain trace amounts of pharmaceuticals. Studies show these levels to be miniscule, or below measurable levels. Pharmaceutical and personal care products are introduced into our environment via swimming, bathing, sloughing skin, bodily secretions and through the improper disposal of unused medications by flushing them into the sewage collection and treatment systems. Many pharmaceuticals are not effectively removed by conventional wastewater treatment plants. Some compounds and residues pass through the treatment process and are discharged into the receiving streams and waterbodies. In Fort Collins, this means back into the Poudre River, eventually meeting the South Platte River east of Greeley and flowing through the Eastern Plains. Taking action to properly dispose of unused pharmaceuticals will help protect water quality in our community and region.
For More Information: |