uThukela District Municipality has temporarily shut down the Ezakheni Water Treatment Works after detecting unusually poor raw water quality from the uThukela River, which supplies the plant.

Possible upstream contamination

In a media statement, the municipality confirmed that the deteriorating water quality appears to be linked to possible upstream contamination. As a result, a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine the source and extent of the problem.

Municipal teams have already begun collecting water samples for analysis, with additional technical teams dispatched to the site to assist with the assessment process.

Investigation underway

The district municipality stated that due to the severity of the situation, the municipality has taken the precautionary step of suspending operations at the treatment works until the investigation is concluded and the raw water quality improves to acceptable standards.

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Residents who receive water from the Ezakheni plant have been urged not to panic but to exercise patience and use water sparingly while the matter is being addressed.

The district municipality has assured the community that updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.

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