Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1187276
WEEKLY EDITION JULY 3, 2019 Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater: Implications for the Portable Sanitation Industry By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director General Implications Although the concentrations of individual pharmaceuticals reported in investigated water bodies and municipal water supplies worldwide are low and may not cause any harm to the human health in the short run, the impact of receiving ongoing doses of unprescribed medicines, personal care products, recreational drugs, and related chemicals may be much worse over time. The chronic exposure to a mixture of such compounds may disturb the balance in the human body, enhance a dangerous resistance to antibiotics, and thus pose a threat to the health of living organisms. People have already observed things such as mutations in the frog population and higher incidences of certain health issues than were seen a generation ago. Many scientists around the world are currently investigating whether the trace pharmaceuticals in the water supply can be linked to these situations. Implications for Portable Sanitation As if portable sanitation operators didn't have enough to worry about, the presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater – and what to do about it – is sure to have an impact on our industry. Some of the most obvious implications that are likely to impact us over the next several years include: 1. Heightened sensitivity to this issue among others will increase monitoring of loads and impact what loads treatment plants will accept. 2. Pressure to ensure the water supply is safe will continue to increase, especially if there is a change in the party controlling Congress or the White House in coming elections. The recent debacle with the Flint, Michigan water supply and increased attention to issues like pharmaceuticals in water have drawn attention to these topics. The public's concern will potentially translate to policy changes that will impact operators at the treatment plant – again either in terms of what loads will be accepted or the cost of disposal. PAGE 12 CONTINUED ON PAGE 13