SANS241 – Ensuring Safe Drinking Water

Scientifically Validated. Field Proven. Clinically Trusted.

Access to clean, safe drinking water is a fundamental human right — but ensuring that water is free from harmful microbes is a constant challenge. In South Africa, SANS 241 is the national standard that defines the acceptable limits for microbiological, chemical, physical, and aesthetic parameters in drinking water.

What Is SANS241

SANS 241 (the South African National Standard for drinking water quality) sets stringent criteria to guarantee that water is safe for long-term human consumption. The standard includes maximum allowable concentrations for heavy metals, bacteria, turbidity, and other indicators of water quality.

  • For example, under SANS 241-1:2015, the limit for copper is 2 000 μg/L (2 mg/L).
  • For zinc, the aesthetic/health parameter is capped at 5 mg/L.

These limits are designed to protect public health from chronic exposure, while still considering taste and appearance of water.

Viprobac: A Copper-Zinc Biocide That Passes the Test

Viprobac, our copper-zinc biocide, is specially formulated to deliver disinfectant action at recommended dosages without exceeding the SANS 241 limits for copper and zinc — making it ideal for purifying drinking water safely.

Mechanism of action

Copper and zinc ions are well-known antimicrobial agents. When applied at controlled concentrations, they help kill or inhibit a wide range of waterborne pathogens. Technologies using copper-zinc are already widely used in water treatment (for example in KDF filtration media) because of their reliable bactericidal action.

Safety compliance

At the dosages recommended for Viprobac, residual copper and zinc in treated water remain well under the SANS 241 thresholds. This means that while the biocide is effective, it does not compromise user safety or water quality

Why This Matters

Public Health Assurance

Using Viprobac helps ensure disinfection of water while staying within national safety standards — protecting consumers without risking toxic overexposure.

Regulatory Compliance

Water service providers, health facilities, or any system needing to comply with SANS 241 can use Viprobac confidently, knowing it aligns with the chemical determined limits laid out in the standard.

Long-Term Sustainability

Because copper and zinc are trace elements used in a controlled way, Viprobac offers a low-maintenance, cost-effective disinfection solution.