ethekwini municipality water shutdown

eThekwini Municipality announces 21-hour water shutdown. Images: Pixabay and EThekwini Municipality / Facebook.

DUT expert confirms eThekwini tap water IS safe to drink

DUT conducted tests on the water in the eThekwini Municipality and has confirmed that it is safe to drink from taps.

ethekwini municipality water shutdown

eThekwini Municipality announces 21-hour water shutdown. Images: Pixabay and EThekwini Municipality / Facebook.

Durban University of Technology (DUT) scientists confirmed that eThekwini tap water is safe for consumption. 

Microbiological testing was conducted

According to the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology director, Professor Faizal Bux microbiological testing on the water was conducted. The tests were done to ensure that the SA national standards were met and that the water complies with drinking water quality standards.

“We did the sampling last week and the analysis then. Fortunately from our findings, it shows that the tap water quality is of good quality and of fordable standard,”

Prof Bux said.

Prof Bux explained that the tests were conducted due to mounting concerns about the safety of the water in eThekwini taps. Going into detail about the water, Prof Bux stated if the water from the tap is clear, there are no suspended solids and it tastes normal, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Residents who are fearful can still boil it

However, if you do feel the need to be on the safe side, Prof Bux does advise boiling your water. ECR News reported that Bux said the law in SA states that Municipalities should ensure that water that comes out of taps is of ‘pristine quality’ and satisfies SA national standards.

He added that they continuously test samples of wastewater from sewage plants in the City to monitor COVID-19 levels.

Tests were conducted by DUT and they found that the tap water in eThekwini is safe for consumption. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay

Water in Birchwood Park, eThekwini is now safe for profinking

Meanwhile, it was reported that the eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that water in Birchwood Park in Pinetown is now safe for human consumption.

This comes after community members were warned against drifinking tap water after tests indicated that it was of poor quality. The eThekwini Municipality said this comes after recent water tests indicated that water quality is within acceptable standards.

Repairs to water infrastructure in Birchwood Park, Dassenhoek have reportedly been completed and specialists conducted follow-up tests to ascertain the quality of water. As previously reported, water tankers were dispatched to ensure that residents near Birchwood Park have access to clean, safe drifinking water while repairs are being completed. Read the full story here.