Worms in water explained
After numerous claims from Ekhurhuleni residents about finding foreign particles in their tap water, Smuts Marais, water quality manager at the Department of Water and Sanitation, took the time to demystify some myths at Zuikerbosch Pumping Station in Vereeniging. “After understanding the processes Rand Water puts the water through, you will realise that it is …
After numerous claims from Ekhurhuleni residents about finding foreign particles in their tap water, Smuts Marais, water quality manager at the Department of Water and Sanitation, took the time to demystify some myths at Zuikerbosch Pumping Station in Vereeniging.
“After understanding the processes Rand Water puts the water through, you will realise that it is almost impossible for any foreign organisms to survive in the water,” he says.
It is especially in the Kempton Park area where people have complained about worms coming out of their taps.
Marias says his team has followed up on the allegations and most of them were unfounded.
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“In one case, the resident left the jug he uses to get water under a moulding cupboard.
“Upon inspection, we found the organisms were falling into the jug from the cupboard before he gets the water.
“When he then looks into the jug and sees worms, he immediately assumes it came out of the tap.”
He further explains there are valves inside the plumbing pipes installed in homes.
“If the plumbing is properly installed no living thing can pass through those valves.”
He advised residents to make sure their plumbing is updated and there could be any other origin for the orgasms before they make such claims.
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“Unfortunately, it taints the image of the department because people just want to believe the bad news.”
Marais also says residents should not be alarmed when the water is ashy/white.
“This is usually caused by air and generally disappears after a short time.
“If your water is white, milky or cloudy, fill a glass with water and leave it to stand for a few minutes.
“If the cloudiness clears from the bottom of the glass upwards, this shows the cloudy appearance has been caused by air.
“The tiny air bubbles will rise to the surface and the cloudy appearance will disappear.”
For complaints about water and sanitation in Springs contact the department on 011 999 8442 (standard rates apply).
