Fake news: Department of Water Affairs warns public

The Department of Water and Sanitation warned the public the past week about a poster and message circulated, claiming that water in the Vaal River has tested positive for cholera. The department said is not aware of such occurrences right now. “We understand that this is old information peddled during the cholera outbreak last year,” was said.

The Department however added that people should take note that rivers, dams, and streams contain raw (untreated) water, and this water is not suitable for human consumption.  Members of the public is urged to avoid consuming untreated water sourced from such water bodies unless it is first disinfected, the Department said.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has  set out guidelines that should be followed regarding safe  drinking water.