Sewage floods rivers in Phalaborwa
The level of sewage flowing through water sources such as streams and rivers in Phalaborwa is concerning.
Last year Let’s Change BaPhalaborwa (LCBP) conducted nine tests, of which six were done in rivers and streams and three were done from household taps. LCBP conducted the tests on behalf of WaterCAN, a network of citizen science activists who are committed water guardians, and willing stewards advocating for clean, safe and sustainable water. They visit different parts of the country working together with local organisations to test the water quality of the areas.
Last year’s results in Phalaborwa indicated that tap water is safe to drink, although two of the three water tap samples, were high in chlorine. “The reason for high chlorine could be that the water treatment plant could have flushed the system with chlorine just before testing. It should be monitored to ensure that the chlorine levels are not consistently high. It would be good to get the municipality to test more taps,” WaterCAN’s report stated.
Also read: SIES!: Phalaborwa community drinks contaminated water
According to them drinking water with too much chlorine can cause fatigue, and dizzy spells and in the long run could result in other illnesses. Meanwhile, all the water from the six rivers and streams tested was unsafe due to high levels of sewage and bacteria. “The water colour ranged from brown to black. There was no visible damage to plants and animals, but sewage leaks close to points of testing. The chemical results indicated a high pH of 9 for all the rivers.”
“This result is linked to the high levels of bacteria in the water,” the report indicated. The six water sources were the Olifants River (Kambuka), Selati River, a stream in Grey Street, the Ingwe stream on the R71 road, the Thutse River (Gholovans on Copper Road) and the stream behind Spar on the R71, which were all unsafe. Rodger Ferguson of LCBP says it is shocking that not much has been done to stop sewage from flowing into the rivers from Thutse passing through to the Kruger National Park.
Also read: Phalaborwa residents fed up with sewage in backyard
Dr Ferrial Adams of WaterCAN presented the results to the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, however, up to now they have not received a response from the municipality. According to Owen Dixon-Paver from LCBP, they will soon conduct this year’s tests after receiving test kits from WaterCAN. This year they are hoping to test 12 sites.
In recent months the Herald has reported on sewage affecting tourism accommodation facilities with streams infested with sewage and also of residents getting sick in town after drinking contaminated water. The municipality could not be reached for a comment on their efforts to curb overflowing sewage and fixing wastewater infrastructure.
