Tap water 'still safe'
2003-12-22 12:15
Johannesburg - Rand Water has warned of an increase of algae blooms in the raw water received from the Vaal Dam, but has assured consumers that tap water was still safe to drink and use for cooking and bathing.
"Continuos monitoring of the raw water supplies from the Vaal Dam has indicated that consumers may experience taste and odour problems in drinking water due to algal growth in the Vaal Dam. Odorous algal compounds in drinking water, although harmless, typically occur during extended warm weather conditions," the body said in a statement.
The problem is exacerbated by the hot, dry weather conditions.
"We are fortunate that our water quality is among the best in the world. Even though our tap water may smell different for a short time, it will be quite safe to drink," said Rand Water's manager of water quality marketing, Karl Lubout.
- SAPA