The Department of Water and Sanitation has warned communities and water users along the Harts and Vaal rivers, from Christiana downstream, to exercise caution while using raw (untreated) river water.
The agency confirmed the presence of cholera in raw water samples from five sites in September, including Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park, and Douglas Weir.
“The communities are cautioned not to drink or come into contact with the raw water of the rivers. Follow-up sampling on the river is underway and will reveal the extent and location of caution.
“The communities under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Francis Baard, and Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities and the water services authorities in the area have been requested to take extra care in the water treatment process, disinfection and chlorination of the water,” the division stated.
Chlorination effectively protects water against cholera.
Naledi, Greater Taung, Leekwa Teemane, Magareng, Dikgatlong Sol Plaatje, Siyacuma, and Phokwane municipalities treat river water to make it safe for drinking. Water is tested to verify its safety as drinking water. The government stated that water that does not reach the acceptable standard will not be given for drinking or domestic usage.
“The Vaal River is a “workhorse river” that serves the Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape provinces by supplying water to diverse users for home, industrial, mine, and agricultural usage, all of which add to the river’s nutrient levels.
“All potential contamination sources from the Bloemhof Dam to Douglas are evaluated, particularly the outflow of wastewater treatment plants. “The necessary compliance monitoring and enforcement activities will continue to ensure compliance,” the agency stated.
It warned the public that rivers, dams, and streams contain raw (untreated) water that is not safe for human consumption.
“We, therefore, urge members of the public to avoid eating untreated water obtained from such water bodies unless it has been disinfected. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has also issued guidelines for safe drinking water.
The towns are recommended to instruct water consumers to boil their water for drinking reasons as an extra safety precaution when laboratory or operational monitoring results suggest a concern,” the department stated.
