The Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) would again like to refute rumours that municipal water is unsafe to drink due to Cholera being detected in the Vaal River.

• Also read: Cholera outbreak: Municipality reassures residents their water is safe to drink

A statement from MCLM reads, “Mogale City has noted media reports and false messages circulating largely on social media discouraging members of the public not to drink municipality-supplied water linking it to Cholera that was detected in the Vaal River.”

Adding that it should be noted that Rand Water extracts water from the Vaal Dam and not the Vaal River.

Even if Cholera was to be detected around their catchments, the bulk water supplier uses chlorine as a disinfectant which can inactivate Vibrio cholerae in the same way as Escherichia coli. These bacteria are susceptible to chlorine or any form of disinfection such as household bleach.

“Rand Water’s processes also include primary chlorine, secondary monochloramine and tertiary hypochlorite disinfection which is highly effective in neutralizing all bacteria.”

The statement said it is important to remember that Mogale City receives its bulk water solely from Rand Water and no other source.

• Also read: Cholera cases rise to 44 in Hammanskraal, child (3) dies

“Rand Water has increased their monitoring to ensure that drinking water is safe to drink and to date, no infections have been reported. The municipality is also monitoring its water distribution network regularly as reported last week in a public statement.”

They want to assure residents, businesses, and schools that there is no risk of Cholera related to tap water in Mogale City and are asking residents to avoid direct contact with untreated or polluted water sources as well as handling food without maintaining the proper hand hygiene which can increase the risk of contracting Cholera.