Introduction

Pharmaceutical residues in surface and groundwater represent a growing challenge for both environmental protection and public health. Every year, hundreds of tons of pharmaceutical waste enter the environment—often through human excretion. While the concentrations found in drinking water are typically low, international health organizations warn that long-term exposure, even to very small amounts, may have harmful effects on fertility, especially in women.

How Do Pharmaceutical Residues Enter Our Water?

  • Via humans: Medications are partially excreted unchanged and enter surface water through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs).
  • Via production: In some countries, pharmaceutical factories discharge significant amounts of drug residues into the environment.
  • Improper disposal: Unused or expired medications are sometimes flushed down toilets or sinks.
  • Incomplete purification: Current water treatment technologies often fail to fully remove pharmaceutical compounds.

Effects on Fertility

Hormonal Disruptions

Certain pharmaceutical residues, such as synthetic hormones from birth control pills, can interfere with the endocrine system. Research by the OECD has shown that these substances have feminising effects in fish and amphibians and may cause hormonal disturbances in mammals.

Reduced Egg Quality and Ovarian Reserve

A systematic review (MDPI, 2025) reports consistent links between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (including pharmaceutical residues) and a faster decline in ovarian reserve, reduced egg quality, and an increased risk of miscarriage.

Indirect Effects via Waterborne Carriers

Microplastics—detected in some studies within the ovarian fluid of women—can act as carriers for pharmaceutical residues and other endocrine disruptors. This combined exposure may further increase the risk of impaired fertility.

Global Data and Key Facts

Netherlands (RIVM)

  • Over 190 tons of pharmaceutical residues enter surface water each year through human excretion.
  • Risks to ecosystems—such as reduced reproduction in fish and crustaceans—have been demonstrated.
  • Drinking water currently meets safety standards, but RIVM recommends further reduction efforts.

Source: Dutch Government:

https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/geneesmiddelen/medicijnresten-in-water

Source: RIVM:

https://www.rivm.nl/publicaties/medicijnresten-en-waterkwaliteit-update

European Union (OECD, 2019)

  • Synthetic hormones and other pharmaceuticals affect reproduction in aquatic organisms.
  • Antibiotics in water contribute to antimicrobial resistance, which may indirectly affect fertility.

Source: OECD:

https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pharmaceutical-residues-in-freshwater_c936f42d-en.html

International (ESHRE, 2024)

  • Chemical exposures—including pharmaceutical residues in water—are linked to reduced female fertility, increased miscarriage risk, and hormonal imbalances.

Source: ESHRE Factsheet:

https://www.eshre.eu/-/media/sitecore-files/Factsheets/FACT-SHEET-Female-2024_03_

How Qwater Helps

Qwater products are designed to target a broad spectrum of contaminants, including pharmaceutical residues.

  • Pharmaceutical removal – Initial in-house tests show significant reductions; scientific studies are underway for independent validation.
  • Revitalisation – Restores the natural structure of water, which may support healthier biological interaction with the body.

What Can You Do?

  • Always return unused medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.
  • Avoid flushing medications down the toilet or sink.
  • Consider installing a water treatment system like Qwater for added protection.
  • Follow updates from RIVM, WHO, and international research institutions.

Conclusion

Pharmaceutical residues in water present a hidden risk to fertility, particularly in women.
Qwater offers an innovative solution that not only removes contaminants but also revitalises the water — a step toward safer and more vital drinking water.

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