Residents of three neighbouring municipalities in North West and the Free State have been informed that the water is not contaminated despite prolonged discolouring.

On 10 January, residents of Matjhabeng, Nala and Maquassi Hills Municipalities were warned about the discolouration of water and advised to boil it before consumption. 

Residents have been frustrated as the situation has not changed to this date. It’s understood the cause of the prolonged water discolouring is due to the low rainfall levels in the catchment of the Vaal River System.

Vaal Central Water spokesperson, Lindiwe Mnguni, said the entity has been working tirelessly to resolve the issues. “To date, the entity has been running to look at alternative chemicals that will improve the colour of water. These additional measures put in place are expected to yield good results by the end of March 2024.

“To further address this phenomenon, the entity has engaged with primary stakeholders to present alternative options to mitigate this discolouring of water,” she said.

Mguni said the entity ran a few tests and discovered that the water was safe for consumption despite the unacceptable colour. It apologised for the prolonged discolouring of water.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg