The Virginia Department of Health and the water community are committed to protecting public health. Water professionals are researching the occurrence of PPCPs in drinking water supplies and their potential health effects.
What are "PPCPs"?
These are pharmaceuticals and personal care products used for personal health or cosmetic reasons or used by agricultural businesses to enhance growth or health of livestock. PPCPs include thousands of prescription and over-the-counter therapeutic drugs, veterinary drugs, fragrances, lotions and cosmetics.
People contribute PPCPs to the environment when medication passes out of the body and into sewer lines, external products wash down the bath drain or when unused medication is placed in the trash.
Is my water safe?
Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals are present at extremely low levels in our water supplies. Further research suggests that certain drugs may cause ecological harm. More research is needed to determine if PPCPs have potential human health effects.
To date, scientists have found no evidence of adverse human health effects from PPCPs in the environment.
What is the government doing?
The federal Environmental Protection Agency, which enforces the Safe Water Drinking Act, is studying the presence of PPCPs and what that means for human health. There are no EPA-approved tests for PPCPs.
The Virginia Department of Health works closely with the EPA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure the safety of the Commonwealth’s citizens. The VDH also works to ensure that public waterworks around the state are informed about the emerging issue of PPCPs and that they comply with any new rules and regulations. The department also encourages citizens to help protect the environment by disposing of medications properly.
What can I do?
Don’t stop drinking water, which is essential to your health. Your local water supply is always your best bet for safe water.
Talk to your doctor about all medications, vitamins and supplements you take and take only those that are prescribed for you. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without talking first to your doctor.
If you have a private water-well, private labs may provide testing of your water.
Dispose of medications properly. Some localities have take-back programs or household hazardous waste collection programs. Contact your local waste management authority for more information.
If you have additional concerns, talk to your primary care physician.
Where can I learn more?