Question NW2488 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation
04 August 2023 - NW2488
Marais, Ms P to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
Whether he has been informed that the tap water in Ward 5, Riemvasmaak in the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality, is brown and dirty, and that residents are complaining of stomach pains and diarrhoea; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the position in this regard and (b) interventions have been provided in this regard?
Reply:
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has not been informed of the tap water in Ward 5, Riemvasmaak in the Kou-Kamma Local Municipality (LM). The Kou-Kamma LM has not captured water sampling results on the Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS) of DWS, which led to regulatory notices being issued to Kou-Kamma LM.
a) Following an investigation, it was found that the Riemvasmaak is a community of about 40 informal houses within Woodlands the area. The community is served by one stand-pipe tap linked to the reticulation of the Woodlands Water Treatment Works (WTW). Kou-Kamma LM officials have provided copies of sample results for Woodlands WTW and water supply area. Results from water samples taken on each of the following dates 08 March, 12 April and 10 May 2023 showed that each test result complied with the microbiological health parameters of E.coli, total coliforms and total bacteria. The chemical results from March showed a lower pH (on acidic side) and levels of dissolved Iron and Manganese exceeding the aesthetic limits and dissolved Manganese exceeding the chronic health limit (SANS 241:2015). This dissolved Iron & Manganese could be the cause of brown discoloration.
b) Kou-Kamma officials reported that contact with the Clinic serving Woodlands and Riemvasmaak areas has not observed or recorded any increase of diarrhoeal cases. The following measures are put in place:
- A tender for laboratory analysis to increase monitoring,
- Commitment to capture monitoring results on Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS).
- Investigation into the reason for; and treatment options, to remove the Iron & Manganese found at the Woodlands WTW.
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