High levels of bacteria have been discovered in Oudtshoorn’s water supply, and residents have been urged not to drink water directly from their taps.
The Oudtshoorn Municipality announced the news on Monday, and have requested all residents boil water coming out of the taps before consuming it.
The municipality says that the water situation only applies to Oudtshoorn, as De Rust and Dysselsdorp are not affected by the bacteria.
Oudtshoorn Municipal Manager, Allen Paulse, said in a statement that they are currently putting measures in place to disinfect the water.
Urgent intervention is currently being implemented to disinfect water in the reservoirs. Follow up samples will be taken frequently to keep the residents informed about the situation,” said Mr. Allen Paulse, the Municipal Manager.
— Oudtshoorn Municipal (@Oudtmun) February 12, 2018
“Urgent intervention is currently being implemented to disinfect water in the reservoirs,” Paulse said. “Follow up samples will be taken frequently to keep the residents informed about the situation.”
Paulse added that an investigation into the matter will also be conducted. “Investigation to the cause of the ineffective disinfection is underway. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. We’ll keep you informed of any emerging developments on this matter.”
We spoke to Alie Killian – manager of the Queens Hotel in Oudtshoorn to find out how the hotel will be addressing the situation. “We have supplied our guests with bottled water,” Killian said.
Killian also said that the hotel has filtered water in their kitchen which is used to make coffee and prepare food served in their restaurants.
URGENT: Oudtshoorn public is urged to boil the water before human consumption. The results of the water samples released by Oudtshoorn Municipality on Monday morning revealed that the bacteriological counts are high.
— NickeyleRoux (@NickeyleRoux) February 12, 2018
Picture: Pixabay
