WATER QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Makana Municipality is currently conducting awareness campaigns around Makhanda following the water alert that was issued after traces of E. coli were detected in our drinking water. We visited Khutliso Daniels Secondary School to educate learners and teachers about the situation. The Municipality ran short of Chlorine gas and used Chlorine powder (HTH), as an alternative. This is usually effective when the water supply is normal. With the 2 days OFF and 1 Day ON, HTH evaporates, between the source and the tap.

CORRECTIVE MEASURES TAKEN TO MITIGATE THE SITUATION

Below are some of the corrective measures the Municipality has taken to remedy the situation:

Consumers are advised to boil water or put 1 teaspoon (5ml) of bleach into 25 litres of water and leave to stand for 30 minutes before consumption.

Chlorine gas and other additional chemicals arrived on 25 May 2023.

Chlorine tablets were placed into all reservoirs on 25 May 2023, before opening for supply on 26/05.

Sampling was done by an accredited laboratory, on 26/05. Results expected on 30/05.

Amatola Water and Rhodes University will be doing a resample on 30/05.

A Health and Hygiene Awareness campaign is currently underway by Department of Water and Sanitation and

Makana Municipality.

Once results confirm E.coli as undetected, a Water Alert will be issued.

Issued by the Makana Municipality Communications Office.