Ermelo receives “clean” water test rating

AfriForum has tested the water of various towns in Mpumalanga, from August to October 2020, to determine the quality of these town’s drinking water (blue drop status) and sewage water (green drop status). This project was even more important this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and research that shows that this virus could be traced in sewage systems, meaning that one can identify focus points. “We could determine that the drinking water in all the towns tested complies with the minimum standards and does not contain harmful bacteria. AfriForum will continuously test the water quality because residents have a constitutional right to clean drinking water,” says Hennie Bekker, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Lowveld.

In the latest blue drop status tests, Ermelo has scored a “clean” rating, which means that tap water is safe for consumption. Bethal also scored a “clean” rating, along with Amersfoort, and Breyten. Carolina’s status is not yet available. Piet Retief scored a “clean” rating in 2020, compared to the 2019 rating, which found feacal coliform and E. Coli in the water.

In the latest green drop status tests, Ermelo also scored a “clean” rating, both in 2019 and 2020. Amersfoort’s rating in unavailable, and Bethal’s sewage could not be tested as the water did not flow through the plant. Evander received a “red” rating, meaning that the prescribed microbiological standards are not adhered to. Piet Retief scored a “clean” rating, while Morgenzon’s rating is unavailable. Trichardt, Secunda, Standerton and Emalahleni all received a “red” rating, meaning it is not up to standard.

AfriForum voiced its concern over sewage treatment plants in the municipalities that do not comply with the prescribed standards.. “We will further investigate the non-compliance and act where necessary. AfriForum’s national blue and green drop project focuses on the state of drinking water and sewage treatment plants in towns. This project does not necessarily focus on the condition of the plant itself, but rather on the quality of the water that is supplied after this process as the end product in the form of drinking water and treated sewage water,” says Bronwen Pretorius, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Highveld district.

As the custodian of water, the Department of Water and Sanitation does not fulfil its obligation to enforce legislation when municipal authorities are the guilty parties. AfriForum requests residents of the Mpumalanga province to give this organisation a mandate to continuously monitor the water quality. SMS “Clean water” to 45350 (R1) and support this action.