NORTHERN CAPE – In a media statement released today, the Department of Water and Sanitation issues a critical warning to water users about the alarming presence of blue-green algae in the Vaal River System, specifically detected at Barkly West. The department emphasizes the potential migration of this harmful algae downstream, posing a serious threat to water safety.
Blue-green algae blooms are a result of elevated nutrient levels and high temperatures in the water. The current situation in the Vaal River System calls for immediate attention, as consumption of water contaminated with this algae can be lethal for both humans and animals.
Communities residing along the Vaal River System, particularly in the Barkly West, Winsorton, and Warrenton areas within the Dikgatlong Local Municipality, are strongly advised against consuming raw water directly from the river. The Department of Water and Sanitation urges municipalities, communities, and farmers to take heed of this warning and to implement precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their water supply.
The Department of Water and Sanitation in the Northern Cape has already engaged with the Dikgatlong Local Municipality, advising them to enhance the treatment and operational monitoring of treated drinking water quality. This collaborative effort is crucial in mitigating the potential risks associated with the blue-green algae contamination.
The spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We cannot overstate the importance of avoiding direct consumption of water from the Vaal River System at this time. The health and well-being of our communities are at stake,” Mavasa stated.
Issued by Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation the Department of Water & Sanitation – www.dws.gov.za.
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