Despite repair work, Temba water still not consumable yet
Residents told to wait before drinking or using the water to cook, until the system is flushed out and water runs clear.
Water from the Temba treatment plant was still not suitable for drinking or cooking, after repair and maintenance work by the Tshwane metro.
The repair work was reportedly completed within the scheduled timelines.
“I would like to remind residents that even when the water flows clear, it is still not suitable for drinking or cooking, but can be used for other purposes,” the Tshwane metro’s Phillip Nel said.
Nel is the MMC responsible for energy and electricity, water and sanitation and regional operation and co-ordination.
“Please continue to use the water from the water tankers for drinking and cooking.”
Repair and maintenance work to the water treatment plant were said to have been completed despite delays with the electronic side of the work on the Ozone plant.
“The Temba plant has been started and is running at low volumes for sampling and to ensure the quality of the water,” Nel said.
To assist with the flushing process, he said they had also deployed their teams to clean the reservoirs to help with the restoration of the water supply.
Hammanskraal water that is expected to be consumed by residents. Shocking!@SABCNews@Newzroom405 @PresidencyZA @GautengProvince @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/X6kZt03AJt
— andrew sithole (@blessed_dru) August 24, 2021
“As the whole distribution system is empty, the volume will be increased slowly in order to not cause damage to the reticulation system during the filling process,” he said.
Nel said that the water supply could not immediately be restored at full pressure as this would damage the water pipes.
“Fire hydrants will be opened to release air and also to facilitate the initial flow of water as part of the flushing the system,” he said.
The process of flushing was expected to still result in discoloured water being released as the operating capacity was restored.
“This is normal and expected. Residents must not be alarmed when discoloured water leaves their taps as it will ultimately become clear,” Nel said.
He said that water tankers were still being deployed in higher than usual numbers to provide additional water to all residents.
“The team and I will continue to monitor the situation and provide a further update should it be required,” Nel said.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
