The true level of risk posed to our water supplies through consumption

In recent years, a concerning discovery has emerged about the quality of our tap water. Unseen contaminants, including remnants of contrast agents used in X-rays and deadly chemicals from chemotherapy, have been found in our water supplies. These toxic remnants, originating from the consumption of various medications, pose a potential danger to human health.

Tap water, a staple in our daily lives, is used for drinking, filling sparkling water devices, making coffee and tea, cooking, and other purposes. However, these toxic remnants can re-enter the food chain, making their presence in our water a significant issue.

The source of these contaminants can be traced back to sewage canals, where still bioactive chemicals flow towards wastewater treatment plants. Despite the best efforts of these facilities, the increasing chemical load is proving to be a challenge. The toxic remnants of medication consumption slip unnoticed through the filters, raising questions about the detoxification efficiency of these plants.

The Rhine, a major European river, is one of the water bodies affected by these contaminants. The Rhine water purification is managed through advanced multi-stage treatment processes, including extended oxidation, activated carbon adsorption, and ultrafiltration. This system, especially in industrial areas like Muttenz, ensures maximum safety for drinking water despite the high risk from industrial pollutants and traffic-related contamination.

However, unmetabolized medication residues have been found in tap water, causing concern about its safety. These residues come from citizens who regularly take medication, including dietary supplements, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription drugs. After completing their task in the human body, these pharmaceutical preparations make their way into sewage canals.

The scientific community is still silent on the effects of these contaminants due to a lack of reliable studies. However, it is speculated that the increasing influx of female sex hormones into men's bodies via contaminated drinking water is responsible for a decrease in viable sperm and an increase in testicular cancer.

The managers of the drinking water consortium are working urgently on the development of effective filtration systems. Synthetically produced sex hormones from the urine of women taking "the pill" or hormone replacement therapy are contaminants in tap water, along with various painkillers such as diclofenac or ibuprofen and chemicals like Clofibric acid used in cholesterol-lowering medications.

The chemicals in tap water are invisible and odorless, making them difficult to detect without testing. As we continue to rely on tap water for our daily needs, it is essential to stay informed about the potential risks and the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our water supplies.