The Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) has been plagued with a water crisis recently, with residents enduring prolonged shortages, low pressure and dirty water pouring from their taps.
Bloemfontein Courant spoke to residents and other stakeholders to hear how the water crisis impacts them.
According to the Chief Director for Water Use, Compliance and Enforcement, Anet Muir, the department noted that MMM received a blue drop in their annual report for 2023, however, it is currently leaning more towards a red drop, which could be hazardous for the municipality.
Marietjie du Toit, an artist and pastry chef from Groenvlei who relies on water for her businesses, has been affected by the water shortage. She mentioned that once the water is available, it’s brown and the pressure is low.
Dulandi Leech added that the water crisis disrupts her household tremendously. “The poor quality of the water can lead to contamination and illnesses among family members.”
“We see a great increase in our refill sales, as it is the cheapest way of purchasing water. Households, especially with children, make use of delivered water with dispenser machines.
Children love pushing the button to fill their own glass,” said Attie van Rensburg, the owner of Gozone Water in Pellissier.
He advised locals to refrain from tasting their water as a way of testing it. “Always buy from a known supplier. Ask the vendor what process they use to clean the water.
If there is no one to answer, then that is also an answer. Buy from a business that supplies higher volumes and from people who are actively involved in their business and know their customers,” Van Rensburg advised.
The publication also reached out to water quality specialists Dr Tascha Vos and Dr Marinda Avenant, an aquatic ecologist, regarding the source of Bloemfontein’s water and potential contaminants.
“The rivers providing water to the greater Mangaung carry a large amount of sediment which places strain on the water purification plants as the large amount of sediment needs to be removed in the purification process,” the pair explained.
They added that irrigation and livestock farming add to the issue with nutrients entering the water, leading to plant and algal growth.
“The algae, which naturally occurs in the rivers, can further produce organic compounds, such as geosmin and MIB. These compounds add an earthy odour and taste to the water.”
According to Vos and Avenant: “Regular biomonitoring programmes are crucial for the quality of our water and our water resources.
Our Water Law places a strong emphasis on the protection of the ecological health of water resources.” MMM has made efforts to keep residents updated on the matter.
At the time of print on Wednesday 14 February, MMM spokesperson Qondile Khedama said the Executive Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, launched the Maselspoort Water Treatment Works refurbishment project.
“This key infrastructure project will improve bulk water supply to Mangaung residents,” said Khedama.
News Team
