Cholera in Gauteng: Mogale-supplied water safe to drink
The municipality said even though the water in Mogale City is safe to drink, residents should still be vigilant and adhere to health tips.
Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) said that although their drinking water is safe they still want to urge residents to practice safe hygiene.
A statement from the municipality said the confirmation of Cholera cases in Gauteng has created some panic across the province.
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Amid widespread circulation of the news and as routinely done, Mogale City Water Services conducted the necessary drinking water analysis by the South African National Standards (SANS 241 Drinking Water Standards) and can confirm that Mogale City-supplied water is safe to drink.
They said that cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection that is caused when someone ingests contaminated or polluted water or food that contains the Vibrio cholera bacteria.
Rand Water has disinfection water treatment processes in place to inactivate bacteria such as Vibrio cholera. The treatment processes include primary chlorine, secondary monochloramine, and in certain locations, tertiary hypochlorite disinfection processes,” read a statement from MCLM.
The water from Rand Water is also monitored for Escherichia coli, a bacteria used to indicate the presence of other bacteria in drinking water and all reports show that drinking water supplied by Rand Water complies with (SANS 241). In addition to Rand Water checks, the municipality also monitors water provided to communities daily and all drinking water samples tested complied and pose no health risk.
Symptoms of cholera include:
• Diarrhoea,
• Dehydration,
• Vomiting,
• Body weakness and children may develop a fever.
If you experience symptoms you are urged to visit your nearest health facility for screening and testing.
The municipality however also wants to advise the public to be extra cautious and adhere to cholera safety measures.
These include:
• Wash hands with water and soap before and after using the bathroom and before preparing food or eating.
• Use only clean, treated, or boiled water.
• Wash all raw food and food utensils with clean, treated, or boiled water.
• Safely store and prepare easily perishable foods such as fish and chicken.
• Don’t allow children to play in dirty pools, rivers, or stormwater outlets.
The municipality said they will continue to work closely with Rand Water to monitor the situation and ensure.
The water remains safe. On February 28, 2023, Rand Water indicated that to date, no Vibrio cholera was detected in the incoming raw water supplies.”
