Hello!

We are first-year PharmD students at the University of Minnesota. We are studying the environmental impacts of pharmaceuticals in wastewater systems and have researched a solution to the copious amounts of contaminants in our lakes. 

The presence of pharmaceutical waste in our water systems is a growing concern. Every year, countless amounts of drugs, both prescribed and non-prescribed, find their way into our water systems through human excretion and improper disposal. These substances can have detrimental effects on aquatic life and may even pose risks to human health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently has measures in place to deal with this issue; however, these are not sufficient to effectively filter out all pharmaceutical waste.

According to a study by the U.S Geological Survey, more than 80% of water samples from across the United States tested positive for traces of common drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids (source: U.S Geological Survey). This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for more advanced wastewater treatment methods.

We call upon the EPA to invest in research and development of advanced wastewater treatments specifically designed to filter out pharmaceutical waste. By doing so, we can ensure cleaner waterways that are safer for both wildlife and humans alike. Please sign this petition urging the US EPA to take immediate action towards this pressing environmental issue.