No cholera detected in water samples

The JB Marks Municipality confirms that water samples were tested for cholera in the municipal area this past week.

The municipality collected water samples from the Ventersdorp Road, Vyfhoek and Ikageng and Ventersdorp Reserviors to test for the presence of Vibrio Cholerae Bacteria.

This follows after residents were concerned of the safety and cleanliness of drinking water in the municipality.

According to J.B. Marks municipal spokesperson, Jeanette Tshite, water tests were conducted through Envirocare, an external laboratory.

“Water test results were released on Wednesday, 24 May an no Vibrio Cholerae Bacteria was detected in reservoirs from J.B. Marks Municipality. Officials at the Water Quality Section of the JB Marks Local Municipality does, on a regular basis, conduct sampling, testing and analysis of water both internally and through external Laboratories. The main objective for regular testing amongst others, is to promote and maintain drinkable tap water with quality that lives up to the World Health Organisation (WHO) set standards,” stated Tshite.

She also added that the municipality commits to deliver water provision that meets the highest standards of hygiene.

The municipality also mentioned the following safety tips with regards to water:

• Residents are encouraged to ensure that they practice proper hygiene by washing hands with soap and water.
• They should cook food well and keep it covered. Always boil, cook and peel what they eat.
• Use and drink safe water by boiling for at least 1 minute and treating or sterilizing it before drinking or cooking by putting 1 teaspoon of household bleach into 25 litres of water. Put 2 drops of household bleach in 1 litre of water.
• Wait for 30 minutes before use and always store treated water in a clean, covered container.