Magalies Water has sought to assure consumers that its potable (drinking) water is compliant and safe for human consumption.
This follows a statement from the Department of Water and Sanitation warning communities and water users along the Harts and Vaal Rivers in North West and Northern Cape to be careful when using raw, or untreated water from the rivers.
The warning comes after a routine raw water sampling in September from five sites, including Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park and Douglas Weir, which indicated the presence of cholera.
Magalies Water however said its bulk water supplied, is compliant with regulatory requirements, and this is assured by regular monitoring and testing of water quality against the SANS 241:2015.
“Magalies Water consistently supplies potable (drinking) water that consistently complies with the prescripts of the SANS 241:2015 specifications to its customers.
The production systems of Magalies Water comprise of robust and aggressive technologies that persistently ensure sufficient residual disinfectant (chlorine residuals) in the bulk distribution network.
The chief obligation is to keep the water sterile and safe from microbial contaminants, therefore the bulk water supplied by Magalies Water remains compliant and meets the industry norms and standards,” said the entity in a statement.
Magalies Water confirms that its water quality monitoring programme is comprehensive, including monitoring E. coli.
Following the warning by the department, Magalies Water said it has taken proactive steps to enhance its risk management.
“This includes monitoring additional points within the unit process and the distribution network.
As a result of these measures, Vibrio Cholerae has not been detected in the treated drinking water supplied by Magalies Water at any distribution point and distal ends.
Therefore, the drinking water supplied by Magalies Water does not only complies with all the health requirements stipulated in the SANS 241:2015 specifications but also exceeds them, hence ensuring the safety and health of our consumers,” added the statement.
The entity urged communities to avoid use of the water from natural sources for human consumption as the water is not treated to potable levels and may lead to infections of waterborne diseases.
Meanwhile, the department said follow up sampling on the rivers is in process and will indicate extend and area of caution.
It has called on municipalities to instruct water users to boil their water for drinking purposes as extra safety precaution where the results from the laboratory or operational monitoring may indicate a risk.
