The Vaal Central Water (VCW) authority has assured residents of the Mangaung Metro that tap water supplied is safe for human consumption.
This is after residents raised alarm upon noticing change in the colour of water from taps and geysers. This incident which led to residents take to social media about water quality was reportedly experienced in the northern suburbs of the city. In a statement issued on Wednesday, 24 January, the entity explained its responsibility to water supply and the quality of water. The entity explains that supply to northern suburbs is directly by the Mangaung Metro Municipality from the Maselspoort water treatment. “The entity is responsible to supply bulk water to municipalities, which are responsible to distribute water to residents and ensure water quality,” said Lindiwe Mnguni, spokesperson for Vaal Central Water. Apparently the colour of water was due to foreign particles as sand. “Foreign particles in water are often due to distribution system issues. The entity collaborates with municipalities to diagnose and resolve any disruptions within the supply chain.
“Compliance with the South African National Standard (SANS) for drinking water quality is ensured by VCW. This is in meeting standards across health, operational, aesthetic, chemical, and microbiological requirements to safeguard against waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhoea,” said Mnguni. Ensuring safe water is supplied to municipalities, Mnguni said stringent measures apply.
“Operational monitoring is stringent, entailing two-hourly testing of physical parameters including water colour, clarity, and chlorine levels at all water treatment works. In addition to these measures, the entity utilises the University of the Free State’s Institute of Groundwater Studies to conduct independent testing of water. In case of challenges with the quality of water or quantity, VCW immediately informs affected municipality along with a mitigation plan. This protocol ensures that the municipality can notify its consumers as mandated by law,” said Mnguni.The water entity encourages the public to report any water quality issues to municipalities as soon as possible.
Residents can also do to the newly launched Department of Water and Sanitation call centre on the toll-free number on 080-0200-200.
