Ekurhuleni comments on water contamination in Southcrest
The RECORD spoke to Themba Gadebe, Ekurhuleni media spokesman regarding the contamination of water in Southcrest.
THE RECORD spoke to Themba Gadebe, Ekurhuleni media spokesman, regarding the contamination of water in Southcrest.
RECORD: Could Joburg Water and the EMM provide comment on what is going to be done to ensure that the Southcrest spruit does not continue to be contaminated?
EMM; The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s (EMM) water quality section does monthly routine sampling and testing of the Southcrest spruit and will continue to report any non-conformances to the departments responsible for intervention. This might be EMM or Joburg Water operations, depending on the source of the pollution. The routine sample that was taken in early January did not show any pollution.
RECORD: Will you please also comment on what kind of chemicals have been found in the water and if the pollution is going to affect the quality of the borehole/drinking water of the local residents?
EMM: The EMM conducts analysis of the water in the spruit water according to the Klipriver in-stream water quality standards. During the time of the reported incident, the results indicated elevated microbiological and chemical contamination.
There will not be any threat regarding any borehole contamination.
Clean quality drinking water is supplied by Rand Water through the EMM’s reticulation to all households. This clean quality drinking water is tested daily by Rand Water and the municipality to ensure compliance to SANS 241 drinking water standards at all times.
RECORD: Is any remedial action necessary to ensure that the water is safe?
EMM: The EMM has reported the pollution to Joburg Water and met with the officials of the Johannesburg City Council. They indicated that they will take the appropriate action in terms of their by-laws.
RECORD: What action is going to be taken by the individual municipalities to ensure the water’s safety/cleanliness?
EMM: The municipalities will continue their monthly sampling and report any pollution to the appropriate department.
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