Prozac present in drinking water in the UK, it builds up in river systems

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 08 Aug 2004 - 19:00 PDT


Prozac is present in drinking water in the UK, says a UK government environmental watchdog. They say the antidepressant is building up in river systems and groundwater used for tap water.

The UK Environment Agency says the Prozac could be potentially toxic. However, they did not know how much was present.

Prozac could affect people's reproductive ability.

According to water experts, the antidepressant comes out of treated sewage and ends up in water systems and rivers.

It is unlikely to pose a health risk, says the Drinking Water Inspectorate, as the amount is tiny.

A spokesman for the Drinking Water Inspectorate said "It is extremely unlikely that there is a risk, as such drugs are excreted in very low concentrations. Advanced treatment processes installed for pesticide removal are effective in removing drug residues."

Environmentalists were not convinced and asked for this to be checked out further.

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