Durban - uMhlathuze Local Municipality has called on its residents in some parts under its jurisdiction not to drink tap water because it is contaminated.
Municipality spokesman, Mdu Ncalane, warned residents in the Richards Bay CBD, Arboretum, Veldenvlei, Veldenviede, Aquadene, Brackenham and surroundings not to drink tap water until it’s cleared of manganese detected through several water sample tests yesterday.
Ncalane said the manganese contamination was detected at the Nsezi Lake.
The lake had natural manganese deposits, he said.
He said because of the drop in water levels at the lake, since the recent drought that had hit the province and other parts of the country, manganese was being pumped out with the water.
Ncalane said technicians were scouring the reticulation sides using fire hydrants and scour valves.
“This is to clear all water of poor quality and the odour that residents have experienced since late yesterday.
“Mhlathuze Water is conducting more advanced tests on the levels of manganese detected at the Mhlathuze Weir and working on clearing contaminated water,” Ncalane said.
He said the process would flush the contaminated water out of the system because it could not be treated for the manganese contamination.
On health fears the public might have, he said: “Moderate manganese levels in drinking water are not toxic, but have aesthetic implications such as taste and will stain plumbing fixtures and laundry.
“Only at elevated levels and for extended periods will there be health implications.”
He said he expected the situation to be resolved by the end of Wednesday.
Daily News