Rand Water said it has not detected antiretrovirals (ARVs) at the point of abstraction in the Vaal Dam.
This follows extensive media reports alleging the presence of ARVs in water sources.
Rand Water said in addition, there are no ARVs in its treated final drinking water.
“Rand Water, as the bulk water services provider, remains committed to protecting the health of consumers by providing potable water that complies with SANS 241 standards and safe for human consumption.”
The water utility also said that it has formed part of various monitoring programmes on ARVs since 2015, in natural waters.
The Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation said on Friday, the Water Research Commission (WRC) has commissioned several studies on the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water resources and drinking water, since the early 2000s.
Their focus has been research on CECs, including microplastics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, that could potentially pose risks to human health and the environment.
One of the studies related to anti-retrovirals (ARVs) was conducted by the University of North West.
“As reported in the media, the study found traces of ARVs in water samples taken from rivers and potable water sources” said the Department.
The Department also confirmed evidence of the study by WRC and the University of the North West. There, fluconazole was detected in the water (28 detections from 72 samples).
Researchers also detected Nevirapine and efavirenz, lopinavir and efavirenz, as well as Didanosine and zidovudine.
“The presence of ARV residues in drinking water is harmless, although prolonged exposure to the broader population may lead to antimicrobial resistance, a subject of ongoing research. Pharmaceuticals such as ARVs are drugs used to treat diseases – they do not cause diseases. Therefore, the presence of traces of ARVs in the water will not result in people contracting HIV” said the Department.
Picture: Boxfish Robotics