NMBM cautions consumers to boil tap water before ingestion – NMBM

In an effort to supplement the water supply across the
Metro, NMBM has added more water into the water reticulation system through
boreholes.

As such, the City is advising consumers to boil tap water
before ingestion. With the addition of unblended ground water into our
reticulation system, low dam levels and fluctuating reservoir levels the
quality of the water is constantly changing and can not be 100 percent
guaranteed.

Through a system of blending water from different water
sources, a blending ratio is used to meet SANS241: 2015 water quality
standards.

Currently due to the decline of the water supply sources
such as the Churchill Dam (currently vulnerable/unstable) which has dropped
below abstraction rates, resulting in the blending ratio not being met and
therefore the water needs to be boiled as a precautionary act.

NMBM Executive Mayor, Cllr Retief Odendaal said the change
of quality relates to chemical parameters and not bacteriological. “We are not
saying there is bacteria in our water and therefore it is unsafe to drink. We
are saying the water may not taste as it normally does and so as a
precautionary measure, our residents must just boil the water before consuming
it,” said Mayor Odendaal.

Recommendations Residents should do one of the following,
until further notice:

– Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, and to prepare
and cook food. If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full rolling
boil for 1 minute. After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.

– Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a
home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).

 – Do not use water
from any appliance connected to your water line, such as ice and water from a
refrigerator.

– Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option. If you
formula feed your child, provide ready-to-use formula, if possible.

Handwashing:

– In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash
hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public
health officials.

– Be sure to scrub your hands with soap and water for at
least 20 seconds. Then, rinse them well under running water.

– If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Bathing and showering:

– Be careful not to swallow any water when bathing or
showering.

– Use caution when bathing babies and young children.
Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing
water.

Brushing teeth:

– Brush teeth with boiled or bottled water. Do not use tap
water that you have not boiled first.

Washing dishes:

– If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils
during a boil water advisory.

Household dishwashers generally are safe to use if:

– The water reaches a final rinse temperature of at least
66°Celsius, or

– The dishwater has a sanitizing cycle.

– Sanitize all baby bottles.

To wash dishes by hand:

– Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot
water.

– In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household
liquid bleach for each litre of warm water.

– Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one
minute.

– Let the dishes air dry completely before using again.

Laundry:

– It is safe to wash clothes as usual.

Cleaning:

Clean washable toys and surfaces with:

– Bottled water,

– Boiled water, or

– Water that has been disinfected

Caring for pets:

– Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or
spread germs to people. Give pets bottled water or boiled water that has
cooled.

– If bottled water is not available, bring water to a full
rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes).
After boiling, allow the water to cool before use.

– Boil tap water even if it is filtered (for example, by a
home water filter or a pitcher that filters water).

– Do not use water from any appliance connected to your
water line, such as ice and water from a refrigerator.

Caring for your garden and houseplants:

– You can use tap water for household plants and gardens.

Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Communications
Office.