Cancer-causing toxins allegedly found in second largest river
Rand Water maintains that its standards of drinking water quality have not been compromised, this after allegations surfaced of cancer causing pesticides being found in the Klip River.
Rand Water released a media statement last Monday concerning an article which claimed that cancer-causing pesticides were found in a catfish from the Klip River.
The article raised eyebrows as the Klip River feeds into the Vaal River, and is the drinking water for Gauteng, as supplied by Rand Water which is drawn from the Vaal Dam.
“The Vaal Dam is located upstream of both the Klip River and Vaal River that are mentioned in the article.
“Rand Water continuously conducts intensive routine monitoring for all determinants as required by the South African National Drinking Water Standard, SANS 241,” said Justice Mohale, media relations manager at Rand Water.
ALSO READ: Rand Water appeals to consumers within its area of supply to use water sparingly
“Analysis is conducted on both the source water and the drinking water supplied to our customers.”
Additionally, Mohale stated that Rand Water tests for other contaminants (not part of SANS 241) biannually in the source, and that treated water is in the interest of public health protection.
“These contaminants consist of pesticides including Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Lindane, Heptachlor and DDT, which are mentioned in the article and industrial chemicals,” he said.
These specific pesticides mentioned have allegedly not been detected in any of Rand Water’s source and treated waters.
The water utility company maintained that their results indicated the drinking water complies with SANS 241 and the World Health Organisation guideline limits, as well as other international standards for drinking water.
The results are made available to all Rand Water’s customers and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
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