Red flagged Tulbagh water safe for consumption, officials insist

THREE tap-water samples drawn from Tulbagh residents tested positive for total coliform bacteria, indicating possible contamination that could make the water unsafe to consume without treatment, says civil society watchdog WaterCAN. 

“When test results show the presence of coliform bacteria, it is a clear red flag. Safe drinking water is a constitutional right, and immediate precautionary measures are necessary to protect public health,” said Dr. Ferrial Adam, executive director at WaterCAN.

WaterCAN said they were contacted by locals, after they noticed changes in water quality and reported health concerns. In response, the organisation supported community-led sampling and conducted several water quality tests using the iLab testing kit routinely applied as a preliminary indicator for drinking water safety.

Tania Du Toit, whose parents live in Tulbagh, said she was informed that some residents had been without water for several days. 

“My parents had no water since 7am. I contacted the municipality who said they had done repairs. Then when the water came on, it was stinking and brown. I was added to a service delivery group, where residents shared more photos of water and complained of a smell. I got the details for WaterCAN. After I received the tests I conducted tests in five different areas. After I did the test, I waited for the strip result, logged it onto the WaterCAN website. Three of them turned black which indicates infection in water,” she said. 

Tulbagh resident and mother of five, Mina Jantjies said the water had been discoloured for around three weeks now. 

“The municipality insists the water is clean. But it smells bad, it smells muddy, like rotten dam water. I live in an informal settlement, we must have water here. Even when you wash with this water you don’t smell nice. It is unhygienic. The children don’t even want to be near this water. It’s almost Christmas now and our only option is to buy at the garage and not everyone can afford to do that,” she said.  

The Witzenberg municipality confirmed receiving complaints relating to the water quality in Tulbagh, ranging from its brown colour to an unpleasant odour over the past week. 

“The municipality has taken swift action to address these concerns. We have instructed our independent service provider to collect and analyse water samples from various areas where complaints have been reported. The results confirm that the water in Tulbagh is safe and meets the standards set by SANS 241,” said municipal manager, David Nasson. 

He said the issue was linked to a new dam that was completed and put into operation two years ago and their specialist advisors had informed them that it takes time for a dam to settle, which can affect the turbidity of the water. 

“Our preliminary investigation suggests that sediment in the pipeline is the primary cause of the increased turbidity levels. Since Friday, December 5th, we have been flushing our water system, and it appears to be effective. Only a few streets remain to be flushed, and we are hopeful that this will resolve the water quality issue in Tulbagh,” Nasson said. 

Cape Times