An increasing number of drinking water sources across the country contain traces of pharmaceuticals. Currently the levels are not known to affect human health, but studies show contaminated water supplies are negatively affecting aquatic life and support development of drug-resistant germs. The Barrington Area Council of Governments (BACOG) is working to protect our community’s groundwater, our source of drinking water, from pharmaceutical contamination. As part of their annual private well water testing event for BACOG residents only on November 5th, BACOG will offer free prescription drug take-back for the general public with services provided by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Do not flush or toss!
Flushing old and unused medication creates an easy avenue for groundwater contamination. Septic systems and municipal wastewater treatment plants do not remove all pharmaceutical components, and the water released from a treatment plant or a private septic system contains remnants of flushed medications that may enter the groundwater.
Throwing medicine away with the trash also is not a safe practice. Landfills produce a liquid by-product that is comprised of everything in the landfill including pharmaceuticals, which can enter surface waterways or leach directly into the ground and our drinking water.
Where can I dispose of my pharmaceuticals?
Dispose of your unused or expired pharmaceuticals at an official take-back location. Residents of the BACOG region are fortunate to have a number of these collection facilities within close proximity including several police departments and retail pharmacies. Please take advantage of them and help protect our drinking water. For additional information and local pharmaceutical drop-off locations, visit BACOG’s website at www.bacog.org.
The free prescription drug take-back event is hosted by BACOG for the general public with services provided by Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
DATE: November 5, 2019
TIME: 1:00 – 7:00 pm
LOCATION: The Garlands of Barrington / 1000 Garland Lane, Barrington
