WaterCAN is deeply concerned by reports from Limpopo that residents in Mokopane are facing serious questions over the safety and quality of their drinking water after discoloured, brown water was reportedly supplied to several communities.
WaterCAN was first contacted by Baba Selomo from the Young Urban Women Movement in Mokopane, who raised concerns about the quality of water coming from household taps in the area. In response, WaterCAN provided training on how to use its citizen science water testing kits and supplied four testing kits to support community-led monitoring.
Following testing conducted by the community using WaterCAN’s Citizen Science Test Kits, results indicated the presence of coliform bacteria in the water, raising significant public health concerns.
According to reports from local activists, tap water supplied from Lepelle Water’s Doringdraai Dam system, which serves Mokopane in the Mogalakwena Local Municipality, has been visibly dirty for several days, with no clear indication of when the problem will be resolved.
Residents have also reportedly received no guidance on whether the discoloured water is safe to drink, cook with, or use for other household purposes, despite attempts to get answers from the municipality. Many community members say the water has a strong, unpleasant smell, further intensifying fears about its safety.
More recently, the community has again reached out to WaterCAN, indicating that concerns persist and that there has been little to no improvement or communication from authorities.
Attempts to seek assistance from the local municipality have reportedly been largely futile, leaving residents feeling abandoned, frustrated, and uncertain about the potential health risks.
WaterCAN believes this situation requires urgent intervention from the relevant authorities. Residents deserve transparent communication on any health risks linked to the water, immediate independent testing with results made public, and clear, practical guidance on what affected households should do while the problem is being investigated and resolved.
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Across South Africa, WaterCAN’s volunteers and citizen scientists are monitoring drinking water and sanitation failures, uncovering risks, and demanding action from those responsible. We challenge polluters, call out government negligence, and stand with communities whose rights to safe water and sanitation are routinely violated. Your support keeps this watchdog work alive and powerful.
For Media Enquiries and if you would lke to speak to Baba Selomo, please contact WaterCAN Communications Manager on Jonathan Erasmus 073 227 6075 or email media@watercan.org.za.
