I'll take a glass of water; hold the ice-and the Valium, please.

Traces of pharmaceuticals could be lurking in the water you're drinking. An investigation led by the Associated Press found traces of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antibiotics, sex hormones, and other medications in water supplies of at least 41 million Americans.

Even though the levels of concentration found were extremely minute and far below levels of a medicated dose, concern of long-term exposure in humans is in question.

In the course of a five-month inquiry, AP investigators discovered drugs have been detected in drinking water supplies of 24 major cities all across the nation. Some found surprising results: In Philadelphia, 56 pharmaceuticals or byproducts were found in treated drinking water. 18.5 million Southern Californians discovered anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medications in a portion of their water, and a sex hormone was found in San Francisco's drinking water. However, most cities haven't tested their water for drug contamination, the AP investigation reported.

According to the Provo City Water Sources Manager Bart Simons, Utah doesn't pose the risk of finding contaminants in wastewater discharge because Utah's water primarily comes from the mountains and is directly stored in water sheds.

"Provo City drinking water isn't a likely candidate for this type of contamination," Simons said. "We are in the process of conducting extra tests just to have that data available."

Allegiance to your Brita Filter and bottled water may not be much of a solution. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, home filtration systems don't eliminate all contaminants and bottled water doesn't treat or test for pharmaceuticals. Some brands simply manufacture recycled tap water.

Utah's Director of Division of Drinking Water, Ken Bousfield oversees the 938 public water supply systems in Utah but isn't ready to predict looming fate for Utah or the nation anytime soon.

"The sky isn't falling," Bousfield said. "The levels currently measured are so low health isn't much of a concern right now but, the fact that these drugs have been detected is something we need to watch and be aware of."

Experts theorize these drugs are leaking into water systems because of high rates of prescription drug usage in America. A recent study done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 44 percent of all insured Americans currently use prescription drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration advises to stop flushing old prescriptions and safely dispose of them at local drop boxes or mix with trash such as kitty litter or coffee grounds.

Copyright Brigham Young University 22 Sep 2008