The civil rights organisation AfriForum took samples of potable (Blue Drop) and treated sewage water (Green Drop) across the Western Cape. It forms part of a national project which is known as the AfriForum Blue and Green Drop branch project.
The following towns in the Western Cape participated in the project:
- Beaufort West
- Oudtshoorn
- Mossel Bay
- Uilenkraalsmond
- Hermanus
- Ladismith
- Langeberg – Bonnievale
- Heidelberg
- Vredenburg
- Vredendal
- Citrusdal
“AfriForum will monitor the water in South Africa this year to ensure that the quality is up to standard and to assist with the sustainability and conservation of this crucial resource,” said Julius Kleynhans, Head of Environmental affairs at AfriForum.
AfriForum will continue to monitor the water and sewage quality in the country. “If the water does not comply with national standards, we will put pressure on municipalities to solve the problem. If that does not happen, we will take the necessary steps to force compliance,” said Stefan Pretorius, Organiser for AfriForum in the Western Cape.
“The crisis facing South Africa as a result of inadequate water provision, the collapse of infrastructure, the demand for water, and pollution has necessitated our intervention in order to protect our water sources. We will not allow mismanagement any longer and alternatives for the provision and protection of water are considered,” Kleynhans added.
AfriForum launched its #thinkwater initiative to create awareness of water quality issues. We invite the public to act as watchdog and report issues to AfriForum at https://www.afriforum.co.za/dink-water/ . You may also let us know if the water in your town is clean. SMS ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to 32277. (R1/SMS)
“The water samples will be tested by an independent SANAS accredited laboratory. A complete report of the results will be made available to the public and the media on 17 March 2014,” Kleynhans concluded.
