Wastewater is full of resistant bacteria

In almost all the wastewater that flows into the surface water after purification in the Netherlands, there are resistant bacteria.

Resistant bacteria come through people who swallow antibiotics in the sewer. These bacteria are a growing problem because existing antibiotics do not work against infections with these bacteria.

For example, swimmers may contaminate these resistant bacteria. Although the water is being cleaned better and the government is deploying less antibiotic use, the RIVM recommends that new purification techniques be used to filter these bacteria out. The RIVM also wants additional research into the effect of this 'polluted' water on public health.