WaterCAN, a civil society initiative advocating for safe and equitable water in South Africa, is calling on the Witzenberg Local Municipality to take urgent action following community concerns about tap water safety in Tulbagh.
Residents contacted WaterCAN after noticing changes in water quality and experiencing health concerns. In response, WaterCAN supported community-led sampling and conducted several water quality tests using the iLab testing kit routinely applied as a preliminary indicator for drinking water safety.
The results showed that three tap water samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria, signalling potential contamination and rendering the water unsafe for consumption without treatment.
“When test results show the presence of coliform bacteria, it is a clear red flag. Safe drinking water is a constitutional right, and immediate precautionary measures are necessary to protect public health,” said Dr. Ferrial Adam, Executive Director at WaterCAN.
WaterCAN is calling on the Witzenberg Municipality to act without delay by:
- Issuing a public boil water notice,
- Conducting accredited laboratory testing to confirm bacterial contamination and determine extent,
- Implementing and communicating corrective measures urgently to resolve the source of contamination.
- Making the test results publicly available, and
- Providing water tankers or alternative supply – as a temporary measure - to ensure residents have access to safe drinking water until the issue is resolved.
“Transparency builds trust. Communities deserve to know the quality of the water coming out of their taps. The municipality must communicate clearly, take responsibility, and prioritise residents’ health,” added Dr. Adam.
WaterCAN will continue to monitor the situation and work with affected residents to advocate for urgent measures and long-term solutions.
For media queries contact:
Dr Ferrial Adam, WaterCAN Executive Director - 0741813197
Jonathan Erasmus, Communications Manager - 0732276075
