Mogale City has noted media reports and false messages circulating largely on social media discouraging members of the public not to drink municipality supplied water linking it to Cholera that was detected in the Vaal River.
It should be noted that Rand Water abstracts water from the Vaal Dam and not the Vaal River. Even if Cholera was to be detected around their catchments, the bulk water supplier uses chlorine as a disinfectant which can inactivate Vibrio cholerae in the same way as Escherichia coli. These bacteria are susceptible to chlorine or any form of disinfection such as household bleach. Rand Water’s processes also include primary chlorine, secondary monochloramine and tertiary hypochlorite disinfection which is highly effective in neutralizing all bacteria.
It is also important to note that Mogale City receives its bulk water solely from Rand Water and not from any other source. Rand Water has increased their monitoring to ensure that drinking water is safe to drink and to date, no infections have been reported. The municipality is also monitoring its water distribution network on a regular basis as reported last week in a public statement.
We therefore reassure residents, businesses, and schools that there is no risk of Cholera related to tap water in Mogale City and further plead with residents to avoid direct contact with untreated polluted or water sources as well as handling food without maintaining proper hand hygiene which increases the risk of contracting Cholera.