Panic set in after a chain sms did the rounds, stating that the water supply of Dundee and Newcastle had been poisoned.
The widespread distribution of the sms followed a story East Coast Radio about possible water shortages, in the future, in the two towns due to acid mine drainage.
Uthukela Water were quick to issue the following press release in order to allay fears and reassure residents that the water was safe to drink:
“It was brought to uThukela Water’s attention that cell phone messages are being distributed that the drinking water in the above areas contains poison and should not be consumed. The message reads that the water should be boiled as poison from a mine has entered the water. This message is being distributed after a discussion was held on East Coast Radio concerning mine water contamination.
“uThukela Water gives the assurance to the customers in the above supply areas receiving water from the Ngagane (Newcastle) and Biggarsberg (Dundee) Water Plants, that the water is safe for human consumption and without contamination.
“Samples collected from the final water produced at the water plants and in the distribution systems that were tested on yesterday and today met the SANS 241 drinking water standards and is safe for human consumption.”
