Department of Water and Sanitation Issues Cholera Warning for Communities Along Harts and Vaal Rivers

“Water is tested rigorously, and if it does not meet safety standards, it will not be supplied for drinking or domestic use,” the department emphasized.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a cautionary warning to communities and water users along the Harts and Vaal Rivers in the North West and Northern Cape provinces, advising them against using raw, untreated water from these rivers due to the presence of cholera.

This warning follows routine water sampling conducted in September 2024 at five key sites, including Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park, and Douglas Weir. The tests detected cholera bacteria in the water samples.

“Communities are advised not to drink or come into contact with the raw water from the rivers. Follow-up sampling is ongoing to assess the extent of the contamination and areas requiring caution,” the department stated.

Safety Measures and Precautions

The department has alerted communities within the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Francis Baard, and Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities to exercise extra vigilance in water treatment processes. This includes thorough disinfection and chlorination, a proven method for safeguarding water against cholera.

Several municipalities—Naledi, Greater Taung, Lekwa Teemane, Magareng, Dikgatlong, Sol Plaatje, Siyacuma, and Phokwane—rely on water from these rivers. The department assured the public that these municipalities treat the water before distribution to ensure it is safe for consumption.

“Water is tested rigorously, and if it does not meet safety standards, it will not be supplied for drinking or domestic use,” the department emphasized.

River Pollution and Enforcement

The Vaal River, which supplies water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses across Gauteng, Free State, North West, and Northern Cape provinces, is particularly vulnerable to pollution from wastewater discharge and other sources of contamination. The department stressed that ongoing monitoring and enforcement activities are in place to ensure compliance with water safety regulations.

Public Advisory

The department reiterated the dangers of consuming raw or untreated water from rivers, streams, or dams, urging the public to avoid it unless proper disinfection procedures have been followed. Boiling water for drinking is recommended as an additional safety precaution, especially in areas where water testing indicates a potential risk.

In collaboration with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), guidelines for ensuring safe drinking water have been established, and municipalities are expected to instruct water users on necessary precautions.

For public safety, the department continues to conduct follow-up testing to prevent further risks of cholera outbreaks.