Proper disposal of medications urged

MANALAPAN - The Western Monmouth Utilities Authority is urging residents to properly dispose of their medications, saying they should follow proper disposal guidelines issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The warning comes as the result of an Associated Press story indicating that trace amounts of heart medicine, infection fighters, estrogen, anti-convulsants, amood stabilizer and a tranquilizer have been detected in an upstate source of New York City's water supply.

"We are urging residents to follow proper disposal guidelines to protect our water supply," WMUA Executive Director Mike Dimino said. "By following four easy steps, our community can take the necessary precautions to prevent medications from entering our water system."

Dimino's comments refer to the DEP's "Guidelines for Proper Disposal of Household Medications," which were recently issued as a tool to help residents protect the environment and public health.

To better assist residents in protecting the area's waterways and water supply, the WMUA has posted the DEP guidelines on its Internet Web site www.wmua.manalapan. nj.us.

To learn more about the harmful effects medications can have on the water supply, contact Julie Townsend at (609) 292-1305.