eThekwini says tap water safe to drink despite muddy taste and odour

Residents across large parts of Durban especially in the south have been assured that municipal water remains safe to drink despite temporary earthy and musty taste and odour changes linked to elevated levels of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB).

The eThekwini Municipality said it was working closely with bulk water supplier uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) to address the issue affecting water supplied through the Wiggins Water Treatment Works.

The municipality said the changes in taste and odour were caused by increased levels of MIB, a naturally occurring compound associated with blue-green algae in surface water systems.

“While MIB can cause an earthy or musty taste and odour in drinking water, it does not pose a health risk,” the municipality said.

According to the City, UUW has already introduced several intervention measures at the Inanda Dam and Wiggins Water Treatment Works to improve water quality. These include intensified water treatment processes, more frequent filtration cycles, and enhanced monitoring systems.

An advanced ozone treatment process was also introduced in May as an additional intervention measure. The municipality said the process has achieved at least a 50% removal efficiency when used together with powdered activated carbon treatment systems.

UUW has confirmed that the water continues to comply with required quality and safety standards and remains safe for human consumption, the municipality added.

The municipality acknowledged the inconvenience caused to residents and said technical teams were continuously monitoring the situation while maintaining regular engagement with UUW.

• Areas affected in the central system include Bulwer, Glenwood, Sea View, Chesterville, Umbilo, Bonela, Isiphingo Beach, Bluff, Prospecton Industrial, parts of uMlazi, Durban CBD, Durban Beachfront, Point, South Beach, Stamford Hill, Warwick, Wentworth, Clairwood, Montclair, Rossburgh, Woodlands, and parts of Morningside, Overport, Essenwood, and Westridge.
• Areas affected in the south include Athlone Park, Amanzimtoti CBD, Warner Beach, Illovo Glen, Lower Illovo, Doonside, Umgababa, Umkhomazi, Craigieburn, Adams, Clansthal, Saiccor Village, and surrounding communities.

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