Water shortages throughout South Africa, municipalities struggling to keep up with the maintenance of our water infrastructure and even live fish coming out of the taps, as one resident in Komatipoort found out, South Africa’s water
“crisis"
is slowly coming to light.
“Water shortages seem to be a reality for many South Africans, and although we are still learning to deal with the lack of electricity, we are now needing to find ways to ensure that we don’t have to endure the same with water,” explains Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for water sterilisation product Milton. She goes on to say that what we don’t consider when the water is finally switched back on, is the quality of the water that comes out of our taps.
Water shutdowns, whether planned or unexpected, can impact the quality of water when service resumes. We may be happy to finally have water again, but we need to think twice before filling up our glasses.
Understanding how these interruptions affect water quality is crucial for ensuring the safety and health of the community:
When water supply systems are shut down, there is an increased risk of contamination. During a shutdown, the pressure in the pipes drops, which can allow contaminants to enter the system through cracks, leaks, or faulty connections. When service resumes, these contaminants can be flushed into the water supply.
Water sitting in pipes during a shutdown can accumulate sediments and debris. When the system is restarted, the initial flow can stir up these particles, leading to murky water. While these particles may not always pose a significant health risk, they can affect the aesthetic quality of the water and indicate potential issues.
Stagnant water in the distribution system during a shutdown can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Without the continuous flow and chlorination that normally suppress bacterial activity, pathogens can proliferate. When the water flow resumes, these bacteria can be carried into homes and businesses.
Water treatment involves carefully balanced chemical processes to ensure safety and quality. Shutdowns can disrupt these processes, leading to temporary imbalances. For instance, the levels of chlorine used to disinfect water might be lower immediately after a shutdown, reducing its effectiveness in killing harmful microorganisms.
After a shutdown, water utilities typically flush the system by allowing water to flow at high velocity through the pipes. This helps remove accumulated sediments, debris, and potential contaminants. However, if you would prefer to make 100% sure that your drinking water is safe after a shutdown, using Milton to help keep your drinking water clean, is an inexpensive way to make sure that your water is clean. Only 4ml of Milton fluid can sterilise one litre of drinking water, while one Milton tablet can sterilise 10 litres.
As water outages seem to be increasing, it is essential to remain vigilant about the quality of the water coming out of your taps and adopt practices that ensure the safety of your drinking water. By doing so, we can protect our health and well-being, even in the face of ongoing water supply challenges.
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