Rand Water is aware of several Media Statements reporting that ARVs (Antiretroviral drugs) have been found in water sources.

Rand Water has been monitoring ARVs since 2015. Rand Water, like other research institutions, detected ARVs in the natural waters located downstream of wastewater treatment plants. Rand Water abstracts water from the Vaal Dam which is located upstream of these wastewater treatment plants. Rand Water has not detected ARVs at the point of abstraction in the Vaal Dam and concomitantly in any of its treated final drinking water.

Rand Water remains committed to ongoing research around emerging contaminants in source waters. This is achieved through active participation in national research projects and the funding of university chairs in water utilisation, organic chemistry and public health.

Rand Water assures the public that drinking water remains safe for human consumption. 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.”

Rand Water is always available to provide accurate information to academia, journalists and media practitioners. Thus, we urge academia, journalists and media practitioners to use Rand Water’s communications’ avenues to obtain correct information so that the media can comply with its objective of ‘educating the public’ with accurate information.