We've been hearing more talk recently of the medications being found in our water supplies; drugs from aspirin to Zoloft have been detected. How are they getting there?

For years, people assumed flushing medications or dumping down the sink was the best way to dispose of them. That would ensure that children, pets, and drug addicts wouldn't come across them in the trash. We now know that medications are adding up in our water supplies and it's unclear if and when they will pose a danger.

So, what's the best way to dispose of our old or unused medications? First, check with local pharmacies. Many participate in buy back programs or will accept your old medications to dispose of. If you can't find one or if it's not convenient, there are some steps you can take at home to keep our water supplies clean and keep medications from falling into the wrong hands...or mouths!

• Open capsules or place tablets into a small amount of liquid to begin dissolving.
• Dump dissolved pills or liquid medications into a small amount of coffee grounds or kitty litter and place into a can or plastic bag to dispose of.
• Flush medications only if the label says it's alright to do so.