Medications and Water Quality

Protect water quality from prescription medications

When flushed or put in the trash, medications wind up in water tables, streams, rivers, and lakes, and eventually, in our drinking water.  According to the United States Geological Survey, most waterways in the United States have traces of medications such as acetaminophen, birth control medications, codeine, and antibiotics.  Most water treatment systems are not able to remove these chemicals.

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent this type of water contamination.  By taking your unused medications to a prescription drug drop-box site, or to a prescription drug take-back event, you can keep our waters clean and safe for today and for the future.

Where can I find information about disposal sites and take back events?