[Policy Brief] Can South Africa's water systems overcome the threat of emerging contaminants?

This policy brief examines the growing threat of emerging contaminants (ECs) in South Africa’s water systems. It highlights the challenges posed by pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and pesticides — especially antiretroviral drugs and endocrine disruptors — which are inadequately removed by current wastewater treatment plants. Drawing from international best practices and South African case studies, the brief outlines actionable strategies, including the adoption of hybrid treatment technologies such as Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) and nature-based solutions (NbSs). It calls for immediate policy reform, investment in infrastructure, and the development of a national monitoring framework to safeguard public health and ensure alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.