PRELIMINARY tests conducted in the Swartspruit have found the water has signs of faecal bacteria and high levels of phosphate.
Rian van Jaarsveld of Afriforum Kempton Park says they have taken the initiative to send samples to labs for testing, with the first tests definitely showing signs of pollution.
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“Samples of water were taken from the spruit at the Kempton golf course side and at the bridge under Pretoria Road. These were sent for testing to the University of Potchefstroom,” Van Jaarsveld explained.
“So far, tests have shown there are indications of E.coli and a high phosphate reading in the water. A normal phosphate reading should be from 0-12. The spruit water has a reading of 15, which is definitely a sign of pollution.”
The group has sent the water samples for more detailed tests and are expecting those back by in about a week and will hand them over to ward councillor Gideon van Zyl.
E.coli is a type of faecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. The presence of E.coli in the water is a strong indication of sewage or animal waste.
Phosphates are chemical compounds containing phosphorus, which is a non-metallic element necessary for life and is found in rock. Phosphates enter rivers from things such as human and animal waste, phosphorus rich bedrock, industrial effluents and fertiliser runoff. These phosphates become detrimental when they over fertilise aquatic plants and cause stepped up eutrophication, which is the natural ageing process of a river.
Additional information from the Water Research Centre and Apec Water (freedrinkingwater.com)
