Water tests being done throughout Ward 100
Quality tests were done at several spots in the Elands River after residents complained about the water's odour.
The Afriforum Cullinan/ Rayton branch and Ward 100 Clr Johannes Bekker conducted water quality tests at several spots in the Elands River last week.
This follows numerous complaints about the quality and odour of the river in the Cullinan area.
The Elands River runs through Ward 100, where several farms use the river to water their crops and use it for livestock.
It originates west of Bronkhorstspruit, flowing northwards and then bending northeast into the Rust de Winter Dam, at the Rust De Winter Nature Reserve.
A few kilometres downstream it flows into the larger Rhenosterkop Dam, where it finally joins the Olifants River at the Arabie Dam reservoir.
Tests in several households were also conducted. The tests on tap water found it to be 100% safe for consumption.
Some results from different areas along the river still need to be concluded. Bekker said these tests help to protect human health.
“Waterborne diseases can cause serious illness or even death, and contaminated water is a major source of these diseases. It is also critical for protecting the environment,” said Bekker.
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The tests are being done to find the source of the contamination, as it will have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, including fish and other wildlife.
“It is important to help identify the sources of pollution so that we can put a stop to it and reduce or eliminate its impacts,” said Bekker.
More tests will be conducted around the Elands River from sources and nearby structures that could cause the contamination of the water.
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