This comes after a joint study by North West University and the Water Research Commission found residues of ARV medication in wastewater plants, with some levels exceeding recommended safety thresholds.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, said the Ministry is ready to provide both financial and technical support to municipalities to improve wastewater treatment infrastructure and address emerging water contaminants.

“These particular contaminants are increasingly recognised as a concern for water quality, especially in wastewater and reclaimed water intended for reuse,” Seitlholo stated.

“There is no indication that the presence of these ARV residues in drinking water is harmful. However, prolonged exposure among the broader population could potentially lead to antimicrobial resistance in the long term.”

He added that the department could use its grant funding to support municipalities in upgrading existing treatment systems or adding components to better filter out pharmaceutical residues.

Deputy Minister David Mahlobo echoed Seitlholo’s remarks, urging the public not to panic.

“The quantities are so negligible that they do not affect the taste of water we drink. We must avoid using phrases like 'high concentrations', it creates unnecessary fear,” Mahlobo said. “ARVs are treatments, not pathogens, and have nothing to do with the transmission of HIV.”

Mahlobo acknowledged that if there were ever significant concentrations of ARVs in potable water, it could raise concerns about drug resistance. However, he stressed that current levels are far below any such threshold.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--