Discoloured tap water could be expected in the northern parts of Cape Town after last weekend’s severe storms compromised the water quality of the Wemmershoek dam.
It was the turbulence in the dam caused by the storm that affected the quality of the water inflow to the Wemmershoek Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
“Even though treated, the water still had a turbidity count higher than the aesthetic standard limit as published in the South African National Standard (SANS) for drinking water. The City of Cape Town is monitoring the plug of water with higher turbidity that has been discharged into the bulk water network from Wemmershoek,” a City spokesperson said on Friday.
The City is conducting ongoing investigations and tests to monitor the water quality, which remains safe to drink and use.
The affected areas are primarily in Kraaifontein, Joostenbergvlakte, Wallacedene, Scottsdene, Bracken Heights, Bonnie Brae, Vredekloof, Northpine and Morgenster Hoogte.
According to the City, the water treatment process at the Wemmershoek WTP has since stabilised because of the changeover to the Riviersonderend water supply.
“The possible impact to the affected areas is being mitigated by blending with water from other parts of the bulk water network. Intensive water sampling and ongoing testing are being conducted even though it is anticipated that the turbidity value will be within the SANS limit because of the blending.
The City advised its working on resolving the problem as soon as possible, and that the water quality in this part of the supply network is expected to normalise over the coming days.
