People can be seen fishing on the banks of the Vaal River. File picture: Karen Sandison
THE DEPARTMENT of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued a caution to communities and water users along the Harts and Vaal rivers, from Christiana downstream, following the discovery of cholera bacteria in several water samples. The affected areas include parts of the North West and Northern Cape provinces.
The DWS stated on Wednesday that routine water sampling conducted in September revealed the presence of cholera in five locations: Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkly West Caravan Park, and the Douglas Weir. In response, the department has urged communities and water users to avoid drinking or coming into contact with untreated water from the rivers.
The DWS added that follow-up sampling on the rivers is under way to determine the full extent of the contamination. In the meantime, communities under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Frances Baard, and Pixley ka Seme districts and the water services authorities in the area have been advised to take extra precautions in their water treatment processes. This includes thorough disinfection and chlorination to safeguard water from the risk of cholera.
The department stated that the Sol Plaatje, Magareng, Dikgatlong, Siyancuma, Phokwane, Greater Taung, Lekwa-Teemane and Naledi municipalities treat water from the rivers to ensure it is safe for consumption. According to the DWS, water that does not meet these standards will not be supplied for drinking or domestic use.
The Vaal River, which supplies water to users across Gauteng, the Free State, North West, and Northern Cape, is vital for domestic, industrial, agricultural, and mining needs. However, pollution from various sources, including wastewater treatment plants, is a concern, and compliance monitoring is ongoing to address these issues, the DWS noted.
“All possible pollution sources from the Bloemhof Dam to Douglas are considered, specifically from the discharge of wastewater treatment works. The required compliance monitoring and enforcement activities will continue to ensure compliance,” the department stated.
The DWS reminded the public that untreated water from rivers, dams, and streams is not safe for consumption. Communities are urged to avoid using such water unless it has been properly disinfected. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has also provided guidelines for ensuring safe drinking water.
As an additional precaution, municipalities are encouraged to advise residents to boil water for drinking if testing reveals any potential risks.
The DWS said it continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.