Overstrand Municipality has urged residents of Baardskeerdersbos to refrain from using tap water for human consumption as it was awaiting the results of tests done of its water samples.
This comes after municipal workers reported a diesel/petrol smell while repairing a broken water pipe in Baardskeerdersbos on Thursday 13 February. Complaints were also received from nearby residents, reporting a strong fuel odour in the water running at their homes.
OM Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill, in a statement on Wednesday 19 February, confirmed the issue had been reported to the Department of Environmental Affairs by Overstrand Municipality Environmental Services.
He added the damaged pipe had been successfully repaired and the water network flushed to remove any potentially harmful particles from the system.
“We are still waiting for laboratory results to confirm if the water is safe for drinking. A green water tank with potable water has been placed on Main Road for public use. A second round of water samples was taken on 18 February and sent for testing to ensure the water is safe for consumption. The results will be shared as soon as they are received.”
The municipality stated it would also engage with the owner of the fuel station as part of the ongoing investigation into the matter.
It advised that the water not be used for human consumption until further notice.
