Tap water with a questionable smell and colour has Edenvale residents fearing for their health.
Residents posted on social media that the water from their taps smell like mould and stagnant dam water.
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They also report that in some areas the water is cloudy or yellow and residents told the NEWS they have fallen ill with stomach bugs.
Samantha Kearns, a Dowerglen resident, first noticed the “strange tap water” in December after five of the seven people in her household fell ill.
Kearns had her tap water tested.
“When the results came back, there were high levels of nitrates in the water,” said Kearns.
She shared the test results with community members via social media and one person suggested that the high levels of nitrate could be caused by E. coli in the tap water.
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“My tap water smells and tastes like dam water and at one stage it was yellow,” said Illiondale resident of 32 years, Jacqui van Zyl.
Like Kearns, van Zyl has experienced stomach problems.
Helen Simpson, also an Illiondale resident, said the water “tastes terrible”.
“When you shower and some of the water gets into your mouth, you just want to spit it out,” said Simpson.
Local ward councillors Heather Hart, Bill Rundle and Tiziana Plaskit said they are aware of residents’ concerns.
The three councillors urged residents to report unusual tap water to the municipality’s call centre.
“Officials from the municipality’s water revenue department initiated formal tests on water samples provided by residents who have logged complaints,” explained Hart.
Despite the community’s concerns, Rand Water stated the water is safe to drink.
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Justice Mohale, media relations manager from Rand Water, said the sudden change in water quality was caused by geosmin.
“Geosmin, a byproduct of blue-green algae, is a natural odour producing substance found on the surface of water,” said Mohale.
“The recent heat wave has created ideal growing conditions for the algae.”
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Mohale said Ekurhuleni and Tshwane metropolitan municipalities have been most severely affected.
Due to their concerns, many residents are using bottled water for cooking and drinking.
Concerns regarding water can be reported to Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s call centre on 08605 43000.
