The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) yesterday released its 2023 full Blue Drop Report which provides an assessment of drinking water quality, and the full No Drop Report which focuses on water losses and non-revenue water in all municipalities in the country.
According to the Department, Northern Cape has the highest percentage of drinking water systems with poor or critical performance (87%). This has deteriorated from 48% in 2014.
“Based on water quality tests carried out by municipalities themselves during the 2021/2022 municipal financial year, 54% of water supply systems achieved good microbiological water quality compliance, and 46% achieved poor microbiological water quality compliance” said statement.
The Namakwa District Municipalities Report:
• Hantam Local Municipality
The Regulator notices with concern the decline in the Blue Drop score of 47.64% in 2023 compared to the 84.60% obtained in 2014.
The WSI has made efforts to update Water Safety Plans for all six systems. However, the plans were found to lack sufficient treatment descriptions, monitoring details, and system-specific risk mitigation measures. While network inspections, maintenance schedules, and asset registers are available, their potential to inform operational and capital budgets could be maximised for more effective decision-making.
The report further said: “there was a lack of information regarding system design capacities, process audits, condition assessment reports, and water reticulation details. To address these gaps and further improve their water management practices, the WSI is encouraged to develop and implement a Blue Drop Improvement Plan”.
• Kamiesberg Local Municipality
During the audit process, the report said that the head of technical services represented the Kamiesberg Local Municipality (KLM) failed to provide sufficient documentation and evidence trail as no information was uploaded to the IRIS system.
“Although some hard-copied evidence was presented during the confirmation session, it is strongly recommended that the municipality ensures that all relevant evidence and documentation are consistently uploaded onto the IRIS system. Unfortunately, the Blue Drop score for the Kamiesberg LM has significantly declined over the years. The score has dropped from 40.54% in 2014 to 8.02% in 2023”.
• Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality
The regulator has pointed out that the municipality is currently facing a shortage of adequately trained and qualified Process Controllers at its treatment plants. This has led to a decline in the water quality assessment, and the matter requires immediate attention towards recruitment and training efforts. The report stated that these circumstances have negatively affected the WSA’s Blue Drop status, which has dropped from 49.78% in 2014 to 21.62% in 2023.
• Khai-Ma Local Municipality
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, the regulator has commented that the local municipality failed to present any documentation testifying water quality that is supplied to the communities.
“No water quality testing has been performed for the assessment period. No documents could be presented, and no evidence was uploaded to IRIS. Volumes seemed extremely high and were not supported by any documentation”. The regulator further commented that the meter readings could not be checked during the site assessment as the site was locked and unattended.
According to DWS, the water quality was not monitored according to the SANS 241: 2015 requirements.
• Nama-Khoi Local Municipality
Despite the local municipality s dedication to ensuring and enhancing water quality, the Blue Drop score has decreased from 63.94% in 2014 to 36.61% in 2023. This decline highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve and sustain water quality standards in the Municipality.
The Regulator has observed that Sedibeng Water, as the bulk water supplier, has demonstrated satisfactory management of Henkries WTP. However, there are concerns regarding the lack of information or poor acute chemical compliance, which poses a potential risk to the consumers of the Henkries water supply systems.
• Ritchersveld Local Municipality
The percentage score for the municipality’s water management practices has declined from 42.25% in 2014 to 21.94% in 2023. This decline is a cause for concern and indicates challenges and shortcomings in the management practices. The regulator has commented that the absence of a WaSP (Water Safety Plan) is a notable drawback, and it is recommended that the municipality prioritize the development and implementation of a WaSP for its water supply systems. Additionally, operational monitoring at the treatment plants is a matter of concern. The discontinuation of chlorination at some of the water supply systems is also a matter of great concern as it puts the safety of the drinking water at risk.
The Regulator notes that proactive steps have been taken, as the municipality has engaged with the Namakwa District Municipality to collaborate on updating the existing plan in anticipation of the next Blue Drop Audit. This partnership demonstrates the municipality`s commitment to enhancing its water safety measures and aligning with regulatory requirements.
