ETHEKWINI Municipality has advised residents not to use water from the Umbilo River below the the Umbilo Wastewater Treatment Works, after two unite malfunctioned due to mechanical failure resulting in partially treated effluent being discharged into the River.
The two process units had to be put offline to carrty out the necessary repairs which resulted in only 50 per cent plant availability and overloading of the remaining primary settling tank and clarifier. This led to the process being compromised as the remaining units were unable to handle the load resulting in some effluence being discharged into the river.
The city said it should take a further two weeks to repair the process to full compliance standards. The effluent is currently being disinfected to reduce public health impacts on the river. The river will be aerated to increase oxygen levels and assist aquatic life. It will also be monitored and sampled daily with samples being sent to the laboratory for testing.
“The community is prohibited from using the river water below the treatment works for consumption or any recreational activities during this period. The affected areas will be demarcated with relevant signage. The municipality will undertake all necessary action to rehabilitate the river once the treatment works reaches full compliance. We regret any inconvenience caused by this situation which was beyond our control. We thank the affected communities for their patience and understanding,” said the statement.
