19 April 2006
The Ministry and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) are
deeply concerned about the reports of rat-tailed maggots allegedly found in
water in some areas of the country.
The electronic media house reporting on this issue alleged that these
maggots have been found in some areas in the Western Cape, the East Rand of
Gauteng, as well as KwaZulu-Natal. These reports could easily be understood to
mean that the quality of drinking water in the country is questionable.
Subsequent to the reports, DWAF undertook independent audits of the drinking
water within the reported areas. No report to date has indicated that maggots
were seen dropping from taps dispensing drinking water.
Drinking water tested from these taps were found to be 100% compliant with
all chemical and biological standards set by DWAF and indicated no
contamination of drinking water. Thus, the Department wishes to assure the
South African public that initial tests around these areas proved that drinking
water is not contaminated with organic matter, which is critical for the
existence of these maggots.
It is also critical to note that these maggots live in water where anaerobic
conditions exist and organic matter is in abundance. Some other areas where
these maggots thrive are under debris and equipment, behind walls, open septic
tanks, unkempt yards, as well as areas where there is stagnant water. The
maggots cannot be found in flowing, treated water.
The delivery of water in the areas affected by this story is from reputable
bodies such as Rand Water, City of Cape Town and Umgeni Water. These
institutions have good and proven records with regards their Drinking Water
Quality Management. The Department works closely with these bodies and is
confident of their capacity to deliver clean drinking water which they have
done consistently over a long period of time.
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry has also undertaken to conduct
more intensive tests to ensure that the water purification processes in place
are not compromised in any way. The Western Cape Regional Office of the
Department is currently doing an audit into drinking water quality and as soon
as that is completed and the results have been received, they will be released
broadly.
The process in the Western Cape will not be isolated but will be followed by
the same activities in other provinces.
Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 885 8317
Issued by: Ministry of Water Affairs and Forestry
19 April 2006
