Don't drink the tap water‚ Richards Bay residents warned

27 September 2016 - 20:25 By Matthew Savides

Residents of large parts of Richards Bay have been warned not to drink the tap water after manganese was detected. While not lethal‚ ingestion of the chemical can lead to illness. "The City of uMhlathuze urges all residents of Richards Bay CBD‚ Arboretum‚ Veldenvlei‚ Veldenviede‚ Aquadene‚ Brackenham and surroundings not to drink tap water until it's cleared of manganese detected through several water sample tests‚" spokesman Mdu Ncalane said in a statement issued shortly after 5pm on Tuesday. Ncalane said that technicians were "scouring" the water system to deal with the problem. "With regards to health issues‚ moderate manganese levels in drinking water are not toxic but have aesthetic implications such as taste and will stain plumbing fixtures and laundry. Only at elevated levels and for extended periods will there be health implications.The City will keep residents updated on this matter until it is safe to drink tap water‚" he said. Water that comes out of the taps will be of poor quality and have a foul smell‚ the municipality added. "Mhlathuze Water is conducting further advance tests on the levels of manganese detected at the Mhlathuze Weir and working on clearing contaminated water."The contaminated water needs to be flushed out of the system as it cannot be treated... If the problem persists‚ the City will dispatch water tankers to all affected residents‚" said Ncalane...

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