THE bulk water supplier to eThekwini Municipality, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), said it has made significant progress in reducing the muddy taste and odour that has affected tap water over the past few months.

Also read: Boil-water alert issued for Amanzimtoti

The water report was made by UUW management on July 2 during the eThekwini executive committee (Exco) meeting. UUW said the changes in taste and odour were caused by elevated levels of 2-Methylisoborneol (2-MIB), which is a naturally occurring compound at the Wiggins Water Treatment Works, which supplies Amanzimtoti Water Works.

In a statement, eThekwini said UUW explained that the elevated 2-MIB levels resulted from increased algal activity at the dam where the water is sourced, which affected the quality of raw water abstracted for treatment at the Wiggins Water Treatment Works.

“While the compound affects the taste and odour of drinking water, it does not pose a health risk,” read the statement.

Some of the mitigation measures aimed at improving raw water quality and optimising the treatment process, said eThekwini, include enhanced water quality monitoring and using advanced treatment chemicals to remove taste and odour compounds during the treatment process. The City said it will continue providing updates should there be any significant developments.

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