OBSERVER CLAIM THAT THERE ARE TRACES OF PROZAC IN DRINKING WATER IS INCORRECT
Prozac has never been found in our drinking water.
The story comes from a review by the Environment Agency of human pharmaceuticals in the environment. The review did not include drinking water.
- The Environment Agency has researched drug residues in sewage effluent and the impact on the receiving river waters. The Agency has reviewed the 500 pharmaceuticals most commonly used in England and Wales and prioritised 12 for monitoring, including one anti-depressant. Traces of 10 pharmaceuticals were found in sewage effluent and 8 in the rivers receiving these effluents. In all cases the concentrations found had no environmental impact. Prozac was not one of the pharmaceuticals found.
- River water can be used as a source of drinking water. However such waters receive advanced treatment, which was installed to remove traces of pesticides. Such treatment is equally effective at removing any drug residues that might be present in the raw water, including Prozac.
- The Environment Agency’s report and our assessment of the structure of Prozac (Fluoxetine) show it to be biodegradable, and it will therefore be broken down by the sewage treatment process and in watercourses.
- When all factors were considered, including biodegradation and dilution, the report predicted that concentrations in the environment were less than the predicted no-effect concentration.
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Notes for editors
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) was established in 1989 to regulate public water supplies in England and Wales. DWI is responsible for assessing the quality of drinking water in England and Wales, taking enforcement action if standards are not being met, and appropriate action when water is unfit for human consumption.
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Updated August 2004
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