In collaboration with the Water Research Committee (WRC), the Department of Water and Sanitation recently announced that measurable traces of Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs had been detected in surface waters and drinking water sources. Let’s get into the details of what this means for you.
Backed by the WRC, a North-West University study confirmed that trace amounts of ARVs were found in some of the country’s rivers and dams, and even in some treated water as well. According to the study, the most common drugs that were found were efavirenz and lopinavir, which are both commonly used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Taking to social media, the government has reassured citizens that these findings are no cause for concern, as the the concentration of the traces found were deemed too low to cause any harm. They attribute this interesting occurrence to the high number of people taking daily ARV’s, as they reveal that treatment plants are unable to fully filter the medication out.
ARVs detected in water – but drinking water is SAFE.
Let us improve how we dispose of unused medication. DO NOT FLUSH 🚽… Return it 🏥! #govzaupdates pic.twitter.com/MHXXa2DdZH
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 31, 2025
IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
No need to panic: As previously stated, the professionals have reassured everyone that there is no need to panic, and that the traces found in the water were too small to make any significant damage.
No HIV Transmission Risk: These professionals also reveal that drinking the water with traces of this medication cannot result in the transmission of the virus, or anything of that sort, so you can let out that sigh of relief.
Water is still safe to use/drink: Although they are closely monitoring the situation, the department has reassured citizens that the safety of the drinking water remains in tact, and has not been affected.
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