White River water and sanitation manager, Mr Japie van Oudtshoorn, says the dams are currently at 78 per cent capacity and if this trend continues, water restrictions might have to be imposed as early as the end of November. He cautions that if levels drop to below 50 per cent, very strict limitations will be set.
Water has been a contentious issue for the community for a while now, with burst pipes, brown water or a lack thereof having residents up in arms against the Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM).
However, Van Oudtshoorn wants to put the community at ease about the water quality and assures them that his department regularly inspects systems, but does at times experience problems.
He states that White River’s water is not contaminated if you look at the raw water quality, as there are no industries in the catchment area that can influence the quality. He explained that the brown or black water residents have complained about is the result of it percolating in leaves in the veld and then flowing into the catchment systems. On the other hand, if it is clear, it means it has been purified and is safe to drink.
On the issue of the waste-water treatment plants, Van Oudtshoorn says that they are upgrading the old phases and will receive new equipment in the next couple of months. This will increase the capacity of the plant from 3,5 megalitres per day to five. At the end of the financial year, June 2015, the plant’s capacity will have increased to six megalitres per day.
The Rocky Drift Treatment Works are also being upgraded to accommodate the ever-expanding industries in the area.
Residents are encouraged to take note of the Green Drop (sewage) and Blue Drop (water) statuses of plants in their area. These awards ensure that plants that are registered with the Department of Water and Sanitation provide potable water to people in their areas. Van Oudtshoorn notes that the water quality is only 35 per cent of the audit, with the rest comprising administration.
For the past year, the town has done well within the specs and is doing better than several other plants in the province.
To help the municipality continue to improve its services, residents are encouraged to report all sewerage leaks, breakdowns in pipes or other related problems on 013-750-6021. It is important to ask for a reference number when reporting these problems as this helps to keep track of your complaint.
If you are interested in seeing the quality of the drinking water in your area, check out the My Water widget at www.mbombela.gov.za
