Pharmaceuticals in Our Water – What Can Be Done?

This week an Associated Press report brought national attention to the long-standing problem of the presence of pharmaceuticals in our drinking water supplies. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported on March 11 that neither the City of Atlanta nor Cobb County—which together serve about 2 million Georgians—test for drugs in our drinking water supply because they are not required to do so by the U.S. EPA.

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper believes EPA should develop guidance for testing pharmaceuticals and personal care products in our water and require local water providers to monitor for these substances. Individually, you can take steps in your own home to reduce the risks posed by drugs in our drinking water. Don’t flush unused medication! If you cannot take your unused medicine to a local hazardous waste facility, then dispose of it as follows: keep it in its plastic container, then fill the container with kitty litter, sand, or water. Cap the bottle and place it in a zip lock bag before placing it in your household trash.

See related news stories here:
Metro Atlanta water not tested for drug traces – AJC
Our Drugged Drinking Water: 3 Solutions – Riverkeeper in NYC responds to problem

Paddle to Save the Hemlock Trees – March 29

Hemlock Trees are a crucial part of our river ecosystems in Georgia, but they face a grave threat from the invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. You can help! On March 29, join the Beetle Battle Paddle – all proceeds go to the Lumpkin Coalition’s efforts to fight this threat. You can take to the water between 9:00 and 3:00 pm that day, starting at Appalachian Outfitters and ending at GA 400. Click here for more information.

Also, please note that these insects are most active from March to June, so be on the lookout for them on the underside of Hemlock branches – they look like tiny cotton balls at the base of the needles.

Click here to learn more about how to prevent the spread of these insects, why they are so dangerous to our habitat, and what you can do to help.

Mark it on Your Calendar!

It’s events season again at Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, starting with the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival on April 2 & 3, followed by paddles, cleanups, parties and more. You can find it all on our event calendar here - bookmark this link to stay in the loop and up-to-date on all the fun and exciting ways you can help support the cause of clean and abundant water in the Chattahoochee River basin.