Consumer Affairs – 28 November

The water situation – along with roads and power – is very much on everyone’s minds at the moment.

The question often asked by residents and visitors to the area, is ‘can we drink the water from the tap?’ We called on the process and water supervisor from Sembcorp, Koos Devenhage to answer frequently asked questions on the potable water front:

Q.Who treats the tap water supplied by Sembcorp Siza Water? Umgeni Water Q. Which chemical is used to keep harmful bacteria out of our taps? Chlorine gas is added to kill harmful bacteria (that may result in diarrhea) in water. However concerns have been raised about chlorine causing cancer. This is seen as a relatively small risk – one has more chance of contracting cancer from frequent exposure to sunlight than from drinking water.

Q. Is my tap water completely free of bacteria?

Certain harmless bacteria are naturally present in water just like you have natural bacteria in your body and in the air you breathe. The harmless bacteria should not be present in high numbers though as infants and sensitive users may be affected. Chlorine plays an important role in ensuring these numbers are low right up until it reaches the tap in your home, which is the reason to have residual chlorine at all times at the point of use.

Q.Why is the water sometimes white when it comes out of the tap?.

The color is simply due to air bubbles and high pressure in the distribution pipes causing trapped air to become dissolved in the water. As soon as the pressure is released by opening the tap, the bubbles reform giving the water a white appearance. If you pour a glass of this water and allow it to stand, the water will clear from the bottom upwards as air leaves the water.

Q. What is the natural fluoride level in tap water?

0.2 mg/l and the level occurs naturally in the water.

Is my water safe? Yes, Umgeni Water treatment process produces water of a quality that complies to all the international quality standards and is free of parasites, viruses, e.coli and harmful bacteria. Umgeni Water and Sembcorp Siza Water complies with all requirements of SANS 241:2011 as well as the Blue Drop requirements of the Department of Water Affairs.

Q. Who tests the tap water? Umgeni Water tests the water daily that leaves the Hazelmere Treatment works. Sembcorp Siza Water tests daily the inflow and outflow of the main reservoir (Avondale). All reservoirs and different point in the area are tested on a weekly basis. Monthly tests are done by an outside Compliance Laboratory. Results are available or can be viewed by the public by using Water Affairs site – My Water.

Q. Do I need to install a home treatment device or buy bottled water?

No. Tap water is perfectly healthy to drink just as it is. If you don’t like the taste of tap water with residual chlorine, then an activated carbon filter can be installed to alter the taste and remove the residual chlorine.

Q. What is the hardness of the water and is it hard or soft?

The tap water is very soft and the Total Hardness is 48 mg/l as CaCo.