Gauteng water generally safe, but govt concerned about 34% of SA's water

The Department of Water and Sanitation says it is concerned about the risks relating to poor drinking water quality in 34% of the country's municipalities. 

The Department's DDG, Leonardo Manus says while Gauteng's water is generally safe to drink and of high quality, there are pockets - such as Hammanskraal - where they are very concerned about the quality of water. 

His comments are based on the latest Blue Drop progress report with audited findings of this report only due in 2023. 

Manus says the report gives an indication of where the country stands in terms of risk. 

"The availability of information is of concern," says Manus. 

"Overall management of drinking water quality in the municipal space needs to be improved with proper monitoring taking place and managing all aspects of the process."

He explains that this will help prevent water quality is an issue as risks can be addressed sooner, but it requires municipalities to be more proactive.

"In the Gauteng area, the majority of the areas have good water quality," says Manus, saying Rand Water's processes are up to standard.

"The risk-based approach they take is quite extensive."

In Hammanskraal through, the water treatment plant is not up to standard. 

In addition, Manus says they are very concerned about the water situation in KwaZulu-Natal. 

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"We are very much concerned about it not only in terms of the availability of water but basically that the floods caused so much damage to the treatment facilities as well as the conveyance structures that there is now a massive shortage of water."

He notes that "everything is being done" to remedy the situation.