Work to stabilise the water quality from the Maselspoort Water Treatment Works for distribution in Mangaung, are ongoing.

This plant supplied the most of the northern part of Bloemfontein with water.

Nicolette Maisels said in a press release of the Mangaung Metro early on Monday, that the final water turbidity level of 0,22 were recorded. The levels of free residual chlorine was 100 mg/litre before and 0.50mg/litre after balancing of the reservoir to the network.

In the press statement Maisels said in support of the Blue Drop water quality management, operational monitoring and corrective measures remain ongoing while laboratory results are awaited to assess compliance with South African national standard for drinking water (SANS 241).

In a statement on Friday the Mangaung Metro advised residents to avoid visibly discoloured water for drinking or food preparations until the discoloration has cleared.

The shutdown of the Maselspoort Water Works on 22 October to clean the filters and water sump and other facilities, follows a scare of 400 people that got ill because of the water they drank in Bronkhorstspruit.

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A total of 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported in the area after residents consumed contaminated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina confirmed on Monday that contaminated water from the treatment works caused the illness outbreak in Bronkhorstspruit. Majodina said an investigation found the city experienced difficulties with chlorine supply, resulting in unchlorinated water from the plant between 24 September and 14 October.

Maisels said residents in Mangaung are encouraged to report any persistent water discoloration to contact the municipality on 051 405 8976.