Immediate action needs to be taken to clean up water supplies, says New York environmental group Riverkeeper. The non-profit organization, whose mission it is to protect the Hudson River and New York's water supply, is responding to the Associated Press report released this week that revealed drugs, including mood stabilizers and sex hormones, have been found in the water supplies of 24 major metropolitan centers. It is estimated the 41 million Americans may have been exposed to these drugs.

Riverkeeper believes the following efforts are necessary to fix the problem:

- A "take back" program should be introduced across the country, providing a place for individuals to send or drop off medications they no longer use or need. The medications can then be properly - and safely - disposed of.

- A national study should be funded by the federal government to provide a realistic picture of the potential risks and hazards to humans and acquatic life posed by pharmaceuticals in the water supply.

- Pharmaceuticals should be included in the frequent tests for contiminants in the water supply, with information released to the public.

In the meantime, Riverkeeper is offering tips on how to properly dispose of medication, including keeping it in its container, filling the bottle with water and sand and placing it in a sealable bag and putting it in the trash. Alternatively, the medications can be taken to a local hazardous waste facility for disposal.

Riverkeeper Policy Director Lisa Rainwater stated, “This is a wake up call to our federal and state governments and to the pharmaceutical industry. The thought of a pharmaceutical cocktail making its way into our tap water is an alarming prospect that should be addressed immediately. We need sound policies to stop what appears to be the ‘Silent Spring’ of this generation.”

» Common Dreams