You Have A Septic System, and Were Prescribed a Medication. Now What?

Over two decades ago, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) released guidelines for the disposal of medications; before that, flushing unused medications down the toilet was common practice. These practices put harmful chemicals into the environment and, as an unexpected outcome, encouraged the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which is an increasingly prevalent problem in healthcare today. 

Our bodies don't use up every last bit of medication we take; just like the food we eat, a portion of it is excreted through waste. Recent estimates indicate that up to 10% of medicines are eliminated from the body in this way, and that can impact your septic system. 

Medication and the Septic System

Your septic system houses wastewater, food scraps, debris from showers, and human waste. If you or a member of your household is medicated, a tiny portion of that medication will end up in your septic tank. While it doesn't seem like a lot, this small bit of medicine can greatly impact your septic system. 

Part of the reason that septic systems work so well is because of the microscopic ecosystem that builds up. Bacteria and other microbes consume fragments of solid waste, breaking it down to create space for more waste as you go about your life. Medicines that treat or prevent infections are designed to kill or inhibit microbes, which can disrupt the delate balance of the microbial ecosystem in your septic tank. Similarly, other medicines--like chemotherapy drugs--target and kill rapidly dividing cells, including tumor cells and bacteria. In short, long-term use of medication can completely change the biome in your septic tank. 

Now What?

If you have been prescribed a medication by a licensed doctor, it's important for your health to follow your prescribed treatment. This is extremely important. If your treatment lasts less than three months, the microbes in your septic system should be able to restore balance, and you don't have to do anything at all, although you may consider septic tank pumping to help the process along. For longer treatments, here's what you can do:

1. Reduce usage of other anti-bacterial products. This includes cleaning supplies that contain bleach or are labeled as anti-bacterial, as well as antibacterial hand soaps. Opt for more natural cleaning products and soaps, as this will give the biome in your septic tank a better chance of doing its job. 
2. Have your septic system inspected regularly. While you're taking care of your health, let us take care of the health of your septic system! Our services in the Boise and Meridian, Idaho areas can help ensure that your septic system is functioning well and that you will not have the added stress of a septic emergency.

Give us a call at (208) 991-7184 with any questions and concerns about your prescribed medications and your septic system. There is a lot to know in life, and we are your local septic system experts in the Boise and Meridian areas.