Oudtshoorn, 12 April 2017 – Oudtshoorn water have discoloured following recent flash floods in the greater Oudtshoorn over the past weekend.
The discolouring of the water from the Koos Raubenheimer dam is, according to the Municipal Water Department, caused by the mud as well as remains of the burnt vegetation in the water catchment area.
“Our water department is currently conducting two tests; one, to ascertain the amount of iron in the water and secondly, to detect bacteria; the results will be available tomorrow,” the Executive Mayor, Aldm. Colan Sylvester announced this morning.
“Although the Municipal Water Department does not have any reason to believe that the water is unsafe for human consumption, we encourage consumers to boil the water before using it for human consumption, pending the outcome of the tests.”
“We are aware of the messages that were going around on social media platforms claiming that there are people that have been admitted to hospital allegedly, due to the water. We, however, can confirm the both the Oudtshoorn Provincial Hospital and the Klein Karoo Medi-Clinic have not received any incidents relating to the claims of the social media messages.”
“We would strongly advise that people refrain from causing unnecessary panic in the community and leave the matter into the hands of the Oudtshoorn Municipality,” said the Mayor Sylvester.
Regular updates will be sent to the public through our communication platforms such as:
- website: www.oudtshoorn.gov.za;
- Municipal facebook page: “Greater Oudtshoorn Municipality”
- Twitter: @Oudtmun
- Updates will also be sent to local media including newspapers and radio stations.