Muddy waters in Knysna
KNYSNA - Brown and gritty water coming out of residents' taps in Knysna's northern areas has raised an outcry among locals. Residents of Concordia, Hornlee, White Location, Rykmanshoogte and Fraaisig have been forced to use brown water from their taps.
One of the residents, Thomas Grobler, said in Rykmanshoogte, Fraaisig and Hornlee this has been occuring on and off over the past four days. "Every time we call the municipality we are told the same excuse that the reservoir is running low or there is a technical problem which has been going on for years," he said. He said when the tap water is left in the bath, there is a lot of sediment on the bottom. Grobler has hired a water cooler to ensure fresh water for his household.
Numerous comments on Facebook showed that residents were not happy with the brown water. Some called it "shocking", one suspected it had caused her diarrhoeia, and another was upset that ratepayers have to buy drinking water because they cannot drink their tap water.
Knysna Municipality spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhoudt said the discolouration was the result of a pump failure at the water purification plant. The pump sends clean water to storage reservoirs, but while it was not functioning, the water level in the reservoirs dropped very low, which resulted in the discolouration of the water. The pump has been replaced.
Bezuidenhout said all municipal water systems are tested regularly by an independent authority to ensure the municipality's potable water comply with SANS standards. The water is safe to drink and has been tested.
Users who experience problems can report it on 044 302 6331 during office hours.