Latest news with #WisaneMavasa
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 Citizen
10-07-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Dam level warnings intensify in Mpumalanga
Only one dam recorded a significant improvement, while the others remained stagnant or decreased. The Department of Water and Sanitation has called on Mpumalanga residents, especially those in the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District, to intensify water conservation efforts after the province's latest dam level report revealed a concerning trend of declining water reserves across multiple facilities. The warning was announced following the department's release of its state of reservoirs report this week. The report shows that while one dam experienced significant improvement, the majority of monitored facilities either maintained current levels or recorded decreases. Single dam shows improvement amid broader water levels decline Longmere Dam emerged as the sole success story in the latest reporting period, with water levels surging from 90.7% to 98.2% capacity. However, this positive development was overshadowed by declining levels at several other key facilities across the province. ALSO READ: Vaal Dam water levels double compared to last year 'The rest of the listed dams either declined or remained unchanged,' said Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation. Several dams maintained their previous levels, with Kwena, Buffelskloof and Witklip dams holding steady at 100.2% capacity, while Da Gama Dam remained unchanged at 98.4%. Major Dams record water level drops Multiple strategically important dams experienced decreases in their water levels during the reporting period. According to the department, Blyderivierpoort Dam saw a marginal drop from 100.1% to 100.0%, while Driekoppies Dam decreased from 93.5% to 93.3%. More significant was the decline at Klipkopjes Dam, which fell from 100.0% to 96.1% capacity. Other facilities showing decreases included Primkop Dam, which dropped from 100.6% to 100.4%, Inyaka Dam, which declined from 99.0% to 98.4%, and Ohrigstad Dam, which slipped from 76.6% to 76.0%. The cumulative effect of these changes resulted in Mpumalanga's average dam levels decreasing from 99.2% to 99.0%. ALSO READ: 7 day water outages coming to these Joburg areas Water management areas face declining capacity The province's water management areas also reflected the broader trend of declining levels. The Limpopo-Olifants Water Management Area dropped from 94.4% to 94.3%, while the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area decreased from 98.5% to 98.3%. All three of Mpumalanga's districts experienced reductions in their water storage levels. Ehlanzeni District declined from 96.8% to 96.5%, Gert Sibande moved from 99.8% to 99.6%, and Nkangala dropped from 100.4% to 100.3%. ALSO READ: Water projects worth R50bn to be constructed in Limpopo while progress on older projects stalls Department emphasises conservation despite high levels Despite the relatively high capacity levels across most facilities, the department stressed the importance of maintaining conservation efforts, citing South Africa's ongoing water security challenges. 'While many of these changes may appear marginal, they serve as a reminder that South Africa remains a water-scarce country,' Mavasa stated. ALSO READ: Lepelle responds to water project criticism The department emphasised that sustained conservation efforts remain essential for ensuring long-term water supply security across the province. Residents called to action Officials have outlined specific steps residents can take to contribute to water conservation efforts. The public has been encouraged to use water responsibly and implement water-saving measures in their daily routines. The department has specifically urged residents to address household leaks promptly, eliminate wasteful water practices, and report any infrastructure problems to the relevant authorities. 'Every drop of water counts, and preserving this precious resource is a collective responsibility,' according to the department's conservation messaging. READ NEXT: Rand Water maintenance deepens Joburg water crisis
