A local daily newspaper ran a series of tests on drinking water within the Metro and published the results.
See statement below from the Portfolio Chairperson, Infrastructure, Engineering, and Electricity, Cllr Andile Mfunda, regarding the quality and safety of drinking water in Nelson Mandela Bay:
The results from the laboratory are noted, but it must be reiterated that if samples are taken from infrastructure that is not under the control of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality it is difficult to acknowledge it as a reflection of the water quality supplied to that particular site.
Water failure does occur, the NMBM’s water complies 97,4% to SANS 241 and 99,9% for chemical and microbiological compliance as indicated in the report to the Portfolio Committee of 2 September 2011. The audited results referred to in the 2011 Blue Drop Report clearly indicate on page 54 that the NMBM is 98,9% and 98,7% for chemical and microbiological compliance and not 90% as stated by a local newspaper.
Water is tested daily at each treatment works, the reticulation is tested every second week and the reservoirs are tested monthly. These results are submitted monthly to the Department of Water Affairs which also monitors the compliance of the NMBM.
Bearing in mind that the position of sampling is unclear and based on the results presented by the Herald it is noted that three of the four samples had no bacteria detected, but also recorded no chlorine. What can be concluded here was that sufficient chlorine dosing was done to secure bacteria free water to the consumer. The results of the sample taken at the X-ray unit of the hospital confirm our questioning of the acceptability of the results as a reflection on our water supply. We believe it is irresponsible to draw conclusion that all the water is at risk.
Water is treated and disinfected using chlorine at treatment facilities that are up to 120 km away. The main goal is therefore to produce water that is bacteria free and safe for human consumption. The NMBM optimises its disinfection to achieve this goal and also have intermediate disinfection stations to monitor and control this process as well.
The NMBM is disappointed that it did not achieve the Blue Drop status again, but this does not mean that the water supplied to the residents is risky as claimed, but 98,9% & 98,7% compliant. During the last 12 months he NMBM has focused on securing water to its citizens at the right quantity and quality and that was achieved. Granted, some of the requirements for excellence in terms of procedures were not adequately maintained.
All citizens of the NMBM can be assured that the water they drink is safe to drink and the fact that construction of the Nooitgedagt Low Level Scheme has commenced, they are also assured of water for the future.
Editors Notes: The Herald ran tests on four samples from taps in Framesby, Summerstrand, Korsten and Motherwell.
All samples were collected in sterilised containers supplied by Pathcare for testing in their labs at St George’s Hospital.
The results of the tests were announced in a front page article titled; “Bay’s Water of Death”. Water from the Livingstone Public Hospital was found to contain bacterial contamination and a high level of coliform in excess of the accepted minimum. Concerns were noted saying that certain samples contained no free chlorine which could allow bacteria to develop in the water.
Of course the municipality immediately went on the offensive when presented with the results.
A reasonable man would have responded to the newspaper’s allegations thus; “Thanks for bringing this to our attention, please accompany us to each of the taps that were sampled by The Herald and observe as we also test the water in the same manner to determine if it was a statistical anomaly or does actually present a danger to residents so that we may take immediate action.”
The question has to be asked; “How many residents have died as a direct result of contaminated water?”
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I wouldn’t say that the municipality went on the offensive, in fact I believe that they stated facts. I certainly wouldn’t want to drink any more chlorine, than I really have to. Understandably, it must be quite a task ensuring that the water coming out of every tap is certified 100% safe by the Municipality. If we look at the state of our public hospitals it certainly wouldn’t surprise me if there are contaminants and bacteria coming out of the taps. How can we be assured that the pipes as well as the taps in the buildings, used in the tests were not contaminated in some way. The real tests should be done at the dams and then the reservoirs, thereafter I think that it becomes difficult for the municipality to take personal responsibility for the water quality as there are too many other factors that come into the picture.
Is “water of death” stating a provable fact, or is The Herald sensationalizing (again) ?
I can fully understand that
the levels of free chlorine were down following the heavy rains we have
had, as sediment in water does reduce chlorine content. My concerns are
the high levels of coliform bacteria in Korsten etc.
I do not buy the subsequent comments from the municipality in various news media (such as interview on Kingfisher today) where they question the integrity of the tests in the Herald, asking about where the sample taken, or if the bottles were kept at the right temp or sterilized.
As stated above Pathcare is a professional company and would obviously have taken steps to ensure samples were accurate.
Further, there is no denying
that our water infrastructure is failing, two years ago DWA were
saying roughly half of all potable (purified) water in the Eastern Cape is lost between reservoir and end user… A condition that could only have further deteriorated since then, as we all kknow the first budget to be cut is maintenance. This means there is a very good chance of contamination after leaving
the treatment works.Is it water of death… probably not, and the sensationalism detracts from the validity of story. Is it an issue we as citizens should be concerned about, most definitely!