Rand Water dismisses social media claims that traces of ARVs have been found in its supply

JOHANNESBURG - Bulk water supplier Rand Water has dismissed social media claims that traces of antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs have been found in its supply.

The utility said the claims were false and misleading, with traces in some rivers detected downstream of wastewater plants.

It said this was not where it abstracted water for treatment.

The bulk water provider insisted that its water, drawn from the Vaal Dam, remained safe for consumption.

Rand Water said it has been monitoring its supply for the presence of ARVs in water sources since 2015, and no such contaminants were found at the Vaal Dam or in treated water supplied to consumers.

The utility explained that scientific studies had confirmed that tiny amounts of ARVs could be found in rivers and streams below wastewater plants, but these sources did not feed into the drinking water supply.

It urged the public and media to verify information directly with Rand Water, warning that spreading incorrect claims risked causing unnecessary panic and eroded trust in water safety.

The utility said it remained committed to funding research into emerging contaminants and maintaining high standards of water quality.