The Democratic Alliance (DA) appreciates the swift response of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to test for potential water contamination in the Warrenton area.
Private water testing was initiated last week after ongoing complaints related to significant discoloration of the water, with visible sediment. A number of residents also complained of falling ill.
Laboratory analysis of the tap water in the vicinity of Warenton town, initiated by Afriforum and shared with myself and DA candidate Gerda Hayward, indicates that the sample fails SANS 241 drinking water standards due to significant microbiological contamination. The presence of E. coli indicates faecal contamination, which carries a direct health risk. The very high total Coliform count further shows the water is not hygienically safe and points to failures in water treatment or contamination in the pipes, reservoirs, or distribution system.
If the test results are accurate, this is very serious and means that the water is not safe to drink, cook with, or use for brushing teeth unless properly boiled or disinfected.
DWS has indicated that in addition to conducting their own tests at the site of potential contamination, they will issue a further warning to the relevant municipal authorities to also urgently perform relevant tests.
The DA will closely monitor the situation.
We cannot allow a situation whereby tap water is unsafe for consumption under South Africa’s national drinking water standards, violating residents’ right to access to clean water.