Latest news with #Mavasa
The Citizen
19-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
ARVs not found in Gauteng drinking water, says Rand Water
'Rand Water has not detected ARVs at the point of abstraction in the Vaal Dam and not in any of its treated final drinking water.' Rand Water says its water is safe to drink. Picture: iStock Rand Water has allayed fears of ARV-contaminated drinking water in Gauteng. Recent research by North-West University found a significant concentration of ARVs in SA water sources. A high number of South Africans are currently on HIV/ Aids treatment, leading to traces of the chemical entering sewage systems. Water and sanitation department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said this week that traces of ARVs were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants. 'This means that the municipal wastewater treatment works are not removing them, because most existing wastewater treatment works have not been designed to remove CECs. Low concentrations of ARVs were found in some of the drinking water samples. 'There is a possibility that high concentrations of ARVs in sewage or municipal wastewater might reduce the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment works in removing bacteria from the wastewater. Further research is required in this regard,' Mavasa said. Rand Water on ARVs Rand Water said it had been monitoring ARVs since 2015 and confirmed that it had located the chemicals in natural waters located downstream of wastewater treatment plants. However, the utility takes water from the Vaal Dam, which is upstream of these plants. 'Rand Water has not detected ARVs at the point of abstraction in the Vaal Dam and not in any of its treated final drinking water.' It assured the public that its drinking water is safe for human consumption and complies with water standards. 'Rand Water remains committed to ongoing research around emerging contaminants in source waters. This is achieved through active participation in national research projects and funding of university chairs in water utilisation, organic chemistry, and public health.' ALSO READ: Here's government's plan for South Africa's ARV-contaminated water Government to address contamination if needed Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, the water department said it would develop strategies to address contamination, if necessary. This would include working with researchers and the Water Research Commission. 'Most wastewater treatment works were designed some time ago, and they weren't designed with this high level of antiretroviral chemicals being in sewage in mind,' the department's director-general Sean Phillips explained. NOW READ: Water department explains why microplastics, chemicals and ARVs are in South African water
The Citizen
18-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
SA's water contaminated with microplastics, chemicals and ARVs
The grim details were revealed in several studies commissioned since the year 2000. South Africa's water resources and drinking water have been contaminated with microplastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and anti-retrovirals (ARVs) that could pose risks to human health and the environment. The grim details were revealed in several studies commissioned since the year 2000 by the Water Research Commission (WRC), an entity of the department of water and sanitation (DWS), along with local and international research organisations. Studies The studies were commissioned to probe the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water resources and drinking water. One of the studies related to anti-retrovirals (ARVs) was undertaken by the University of North West. ARVs The study found traces of ARVs in samples taken from rivers and potable water sources. South Africa has rolled out a massive programme to curb HIV and Aids, including access to ARVs to reduce the risk of the onset of Aids. In a statement, water and sanitation department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said that traces of ARVs are entering municipal sewage systems and passing through these systems into rivers. 'This can be attributed to the pharmacological process where the active part of the medication is absorbed by the body, leaving the residual to be discharged from the body, subsequently finding its way into the sewage system. 'These traces of ARVs can then also be present in water that has been extracted from rivers by municipalities to be treated and supplied as potable water,' Mavasa said. ALSO READ: Rand Water rubbishes claims of 'poisoned' Vaal Dam water Water quality Mavasa said the key quality risks to human health of a biological and microbiological nature are 'well understood and regulated in South Africa'. 'The traces of pharmaceuticals, microplastics and other such CECs that have been found in water resources in South Africa are very small, measured in nanograms (one billionth of a gram). Conventional water and wastewater treatment technologies are designed to remove much larger contaminants such as particles of faeces and bacteria.' The study, commissioned by the WRC and carried out by North West University, found that: Almost all the concentrations in drinking water samples at the test sites were below limits of quantification. The most frequently detected compound was fluconazole (28 detections from 72 samples), with concentrations ranging between 0.06-1.8 μg/L (nanograms per litre) Nevirapine and efavirenz were the second most detected compounds, both with 22 detections out of 72 samples However, on average, lopinavir and efavirenz had the highest concentrations of the compounds analysed, while Didanosine and zidovudine were the least detected compounds (2 and 6 detections out of 72 samples). Waste Mavasa added that higher concentrations of traces of ARVs were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants. 'This means that the municipal wastewater treatment works are not removing them, because most existing wastewater treatment works have not been designed to remove CECs. Low concentrations of ARVs were found in some of the drinking water samples. 'There is a possibility that high concentrations of ARVs in sewage or municipal wastewater might reduce the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment works in removing bacteria from the wastewater. Further research is required in this regard,' Mavasa said. ALSO READ: Joburg Water warns Phumlamqashi it will not reconnect illegal connections Drinking water Mavasa said that while the presence of ARV residues in drinking water is harmless, 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. 'At present, there is limited knowledge of environmental toxicity, potential adverse effects on ecosystems and viral resistance of these compounds. The study did not find any ARVs in fish,' Mavasa said. No regulation Mavasa said while CECs is a growing global problem and area of attention around the world, globally the level of CEC compounds in water is generally not yet regulated which is partly due to their presence often being below quality detection limits. 'However, due to their continuous production, lack of appropriate disposal, constant input into the environment and presence in water resources, albeit in small concentrations, there is now increasing global research into the issue.' Mavasa said development of methods and techniques to accurately trace these elements in water is one of the key focus areas of global research, adding that research is also being done on effective methods of treatment of the problem, including advanced membrane systems. ALSO READ: Water crisis deepens: 13% of SA's water now unsafe to drink
The South African
05-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Water shortages in Brits to soon be a thing of the past
The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo Image via Instagram: david_mahlobo Home » Water shortages in Brits to soon be a thing of the past The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo Image via Instagram: david_mahlobo On 5 June 2025, the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo will conduct an oversight visit to the Brits Water Treatment Works. Brits WTW falls under the Madibeng Local Municipality, where Mahlobo will be assessing the progress made on upgrading the facility. 'The deputy minister will be accompanied by the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi', said Water Department spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa. The executive mayor of Madibeng Municipality, Douglas Maimane, will also be in attendance. He will be flanked by traditional leaders and other dignitaries at the event said Mavasa. 'The upgrade project of Brits Water Treatment Works is worth more than R80 million fundedby the Department of Water and Sanitation through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant,' said Mavasa. The grant is implemented by Magalies Water Board. Once the project is completed, it will benefit over 75 373 households in the Brits area and surroundings. Mavasa believes this will be a welcomed relief since Brits and other areas nearby are constantly affected by water shortages. According to Mavasa, the project is practically completed. However she cautioned that there are final touches being made on the civil, mechanical and electrical works elements. In order for the upgrades to be successful, all the elements need to be completed said Mavasa. 'As of this month, civil engineering works are at 97%, mechanical engineering at 89%, while electrical engineering works stand at 70%,' she continued. The overall completion of the upgrading project is expected to be completed at the end of August 2025. The water department said this is the deadline they are working towards. Today Mahlobo will be assessing if this goal is attainable. IS YOUR AREA AFFECTED BY WATER SHORTAGES? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
