Pharmaceuticals in Source Water Supplies
The issue of pharmaceuticals in drinking water sources is among the most prevalent topics within the municipal water industry. Although the issue has been recognized by the scientific community for several decades, relatively recent advancements in technology have allowed researchers to identify compounds in concentrations so low they were previously undetectable.

As a result of these advancements, government and municipal water agencies, as well as environmental groups, are beginning to scrutinize water supplies. It is important to recognize that these compounds have not yet been identified as a significant enough concern to warrant regulation.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) is at the forefront of research related to this issue. Having already conducted research to evaluate the effectiveness of various water treatment methodologies at removing various compounds—ozonation, which the SNWA employs at both water treatment facilities, has proven among the most effective ways to destroy many of them—the SNWA led a national study which provides additional information about the health implications associated with low-level exposure to these compounds.

Additional information about this topic and related SNWA research projects is available online at snwa.com.