At Chicago Water Pros, we are committed to providing safe and clean drinking water to our customers. Over the years, we have seen a rise in concerns about the presence of pharmaceutical contaminants, including opioids, in our tap water. The opiate crisis and increased prescription medication usage have led to these substances finding their way into our water sources.
A 2008 study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found that 80% of sampled streams contained traces of pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater-related contaminants [1]. While the concentrations of pharmaceuticals in tap water are typically low, the potential long-term health effects of chronic exposure are not well understood. Reverse osmosis systems and home filtration systems have been proven to greatly help protect your family from these contaminants.
The Challenge of Pharmaceutical Contaminants:
Pharmaceuticals, including opiates, can end up in wastewater when they are not fully metabolized by the human body. Wastewater treatment plants are not specifically designed to remove all pharmaceuticals, so some of these substances can find their way back into rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. This poses challenges for water treatment plants and raises concerns about the long-term effects of exposure to these contaminants in our drinking water. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, conventional wastewater treatment processes only remove about 50% of pharmaceuticals and other micropollutants [2].
Reverse Osmosis Systems: A Solution for Cleaner Water
Our Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are an excellent way to address the presence of pharmaceutical contaminants in tap water. These systems work by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane, which filters out contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, on a molecular level. RO systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, providing you and your family with safer and cleaner drinking water. A study conducted by the Water Quality Association (WQA) found that reverse osmosis systems can remove up to 99% of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants from tap water [3].
Home Filtration Systems: An Additional Line of Defense
In addition to reverse osmosis systems, our home filtration systems can help further protect your family from pharmaceutical contaminants in tap water. Our systems typically use a combination of sediment filters, activated carbon filters, and other specialized filters (depending on source water) to remove contaminants from your water supply. Home filtration systems can be customized to target specific contaminants, ensuring that your family has access to clean and safe drinking water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), activated carbon filters are effective at reducing many common waterborne contaminants, including pharmaceuticals [4].
The growing concern about pharmaceutical contaminants in our tap water highlights the importance of having a reliable water treatment solution in place. By investing in a reverse osmosis system or a home filtration system from Chicago Water Pros, you can protect your family from potential long-term health effects and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your drinking water is free from harmful contaminants. Contact us today to learn more about our range of water treatment solutions, schedule a free water test, and find the best option for your needs!
Sources:
[1] Kolpin, D.W., Furlong, E.T., Meyer, M.T., et al. (2008). “Pharmaceuticals, Hormones, and Other Organic Wastewater Contaminants in U.S. Streams, 1999-2000: A National Reconnaissance.” Environmental Science & Technology, 36(6), 1202-1211. https://doi.org/10.1021/es011055j
[2] Schwarzenbach, R. P., Escher, B. I., Fenner,