Pharmaceutical residues (water)
Unfiltered pharmaceuticals
🟠 Some signals exist (animal studies, small human studies) but results are conflicting and the scientific community is still debating them.
Share this factsheet
In brief
pharmaceuticals in drinking water: this page reviews Pharmaceutical residues (water) (Unfiltered pharmaceuticals) — documented mechanism, everyday exposure situations and possible alternatives. Level of evidence: Emerging / debated.
- Where it's found
- Tap water: urinary excretion of drugs (contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants) is not fully removed by wastewater treatment plants.
- Suspected mechanism
- Chronic exposure to very low doses of active molecules; the effect on human fertility at these concentrations is poorly studied.
- Suggested alternative
- Activated-carbon or reverse-osmosis filtration if you wish to take action.
- Source
- ANSES; monitoring campaigns on emerging pollutants in drinking water.
Frequently asked questions
Pharmaceutical residues (water): how is it linked to infertility?
Chronic exposure to very low doses of active molecules; the effect on human fertility at these concentrations is poorly studied.
Where is Pharmaceutical residues (water) found in everyday life?
Tap water: urinary excretion of drugs (contraceptives, antibiotics, antidepressants) is not fully removed by wastewater treatment plants.
How can exposure to Pharmaceutical residues (water) be reduced?
Activated-carbon or reverse-osmosis filtration if you wish to take action.
What is the level of evidence for Pharmaceutical residues (water)?
Emerging / debated. Some signals exist (animal studies, small human studies) but results are conflicting and the scientific community is still debating them.
Map your everyday exposures in about ten minutes.
Take the questionnaireShare this factsheet
Related factors
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Content last updated: September 14, 2026