Reddish-brown water coming out of household taps in Endumeni has left behind a bitter taste for residents.
The problem, which started last week, appears to be widespread.
Messages and photos were posted on the Courier’s Facebook page, and callers to the Courier said they had been unable to get an explanation from the Umzinyathi District Municipality (UDM).
Accommodation establishments said they had been unable to wash linen, and had been embarrassed when guests complained about the water colour.
Jeff Hassan, UDM Communications Manager, confirmed that drinking water samples from the affected areas were collected, as well as samples of the raw water entering the plant and final water produced at the plant, which were tested on February 13 and 14.

This response is to address the water quality complaint that was received with regards to dirty brownish water in the supply areas of Glencoe, Dundee, Sithembhile and Sibongile. The following streets were highlighted as areas where customer complaints were received from; Union, Friss, Begonia, Smith, Pongola and Sithembile Hostel. Colored brownish water was being experienced from noon on the 12th February 2014.

Drinking water samples from these affected areas were collected as well as a sample of the raw water entering the plant and final water produced at the plant, and was tested on the 13th and 14th of February 2014. The samples were tested both chemically and bacteriologically for compliance against SANS 241:2011 drinking water standard. The results of the tests are displayed in table 1 below. The plant operations were inspected to determine if any abnormalities could have led to the dirty water complaints.

Sampling was done in the following reported affected areas of Dundee and Glencoe as well as at the Biggarsberg Water Plant site:

 Biggarsberg Water plant reservoir 2 and 5
 Biggarsberg combined raw water
 Friss Street 4, Dundee
 Union Street 11, Dundee
 Begonia Street 10, Dundee
 Smith Street 86A, Dundee
 Pongola Road 40, Strathmore Park, Dundee
 Van Riebeeck Street 36, Glencoe
 Sithembihle 131
 Tom Worthington Road 59, Peace Vale.

None of the drinking water samples failed on any of the Health parameters tested. The plant inspection revealed that the plant was operating as normal. The water quality investigation did highlight that the filter water turbidities. In light of the analytical results of raised turbidity and manganese levels in the plant reservoirs water samples, it is evident that the post chlorination of the potable water causes oxidation of the manganese in the reservoirs which leads to the discoloration of the water and the raised turbidity levels.

CLOSURE:

uThukela Water therefore states that as per analysis results of the samples taken, that at no stage was the potable water unsafe for human consumption and posed no health risk to animals and humans. The water sample results do indicate aesthetic manganese levels that cause discoloration and increased turbidity levels, but all the samples met the operational limit.”