MOKOPANE – After weeks of complaints from residents over discoloured and unhygienic water, the Mogalakwena Municipality has shared feedback from Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) regarding the issue of persistent brown water.

The municipality explained that the discolouration is linked to elevated iron and manganese levels in raw water from Doorndraai Dam, worsened by seasonal changes during the rainy season.

When dam levels rise, sediments are stirred up and enter the water system, which can result in brown water at taps, particularly following pipeline repairs or system disturbances.

Residents, however, remain frustrated. One concerned community member said, “The municipality’s tone is concerning. We are not spreading misinformation – we are sharing our reality. The water is discoloured, sometimes smells unpleasant, stains our clothing and sanitaryware, and raises serious health concerns. As paying consumers, we expect safe, reliable water, not condemnation.”

Municipal officials and the water and sanitation team confirmed that LNW has intensified monitoring and implemented corrective measures, including adjusting chemical dosing, increasing filter backwashing, and introducing additional technologies to improve iron and manganese removal and restore water quality.

DA councillors, Yolande Coetzee and Monique Maartens, also conducted an oversight visit and confirmed some improvement at the treatment plant.

They explained that when iron and manganese pass through filters in a low oxidation state, they remain dissolved, but oxidise with chlorine, forming sediment that settles in reservoirs and can flow into pipelines when disturbed.

To reduce sediment in the system, LNW has adjusted the abstraction process from Doorndraai Dam and reopened an old canal to improve oxidation before filtration. The municipality has also committed to maintaining clean reservoirs, monitoring pipelines, and limiting reservoir closures during high sediment periods.

The councillors concluded that reservoirs should not be closed at night, but valves should be throttled to maintain flow, reducing sediment buildup. They will continue to monitor the situation and hold relevant stakeholders accountable to ensure safe and clean water reaches residents.