Everyday Chemicals Are Slipping Through Septic Systems and Into Our Water

A comprehensive 2017 analysis reveals that septic systems across the United States are routinely releasing pharmaceuticals and hazardous consumer chemicals into the environment. Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the study raises significant concerns about the safety of groundwater and drinking water supplies.

The Invisible Threat: "Emerging Contaminants"

Roughly 20% of U.S. households rely on septic systems—a figure that spikes to 85% in rural areas of Massachusetts. While these systems are designed to handle basic biological waste, the study shows they struggle to filter out modern pollutants known as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs).

These contaminants include:

• Prescription drugs: Such as anti-epilepsy medication and antibiotics.

• Flame retardants: Often found in furniture and electronics.

• Hormones: Both natural and synthetic.

• Personal Care Products: Chemicals found in soaps, detergents, and cleaners.

"These are chemicals found in the products we use every day, and eventually they make their way down the drain," says lead author Laurel Schaider. "What’s concerning is that we are potentially re-exposed to these chemicals as mixtures through our drinking water."

Health Risks and Regulation Gaps

Despite being frequently detected in U.S. water supplies, the EPA does not currently regulate these CECs in drinking water. This is particularly alarming because many of these compounds act as hormone disruptors.

In nature, these chemicals have been associated with the "feminization" of male fish. In humans, studies have linked certain CECs to:

• Thyroid disease

• Developmental disorders

• Decreased fertility

• Increased risk of cancer

What Gets Through?

The researchers analyzed 20 different studies to track 45 specific contaminants. They found that while septic systems effectively remove simple substances like caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol), they fail to stop more persistent chemicals.

Specifically, the carcinogenic flame retardant TCEP, the epilepsy drug carbamazepine, and the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole tend to slip right through the treatment process and enter the groundwater.

The Solution Isn't Simple

The study found that switching to centralized city sewer systems may not be a "silver bullet," as many large treatment plants often release similar levels of these contaminants.

To protect water quality, Schaider recommends three primary actions:

1. Smart Zoning: Ensure septic systems are located far away from areas that supply local drinking water wells.

2. Strict Maintenance: Keep systems in good working order to ensure they are at peak efficiency.

3. Source Reduction: Switch to "safer choice" household products to keep harmful ingredients out of the drain entirely.

Source reduction is the primary reason we created our Purely Elegant line of laundry detergents. We put the product first and added our scent to allow consumers to enjoy a level of sophistication using natural plant and mineral based products. These are safe for use in septic systems, RV's and large boats, keeping our lakes, streams and drinking water free of the nasty chemicals found in most over the counter brands.

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