Windhoek
The City of Windhoek (CoW) has dismissed allegations that tap water in the capital is contaminated and unfit for human consumption after members of the public raised concerns that too many chemicals are dissolved in the water to purify it due to the low water levels being experienced in the Khomas Region.
Some concerned members of the public told New Era that medical doctors have advised them to avoid drinking tap water and to rather buy mineral water from local retailers, which has indeed become a trend among city residents.
One Windhoek resident said their doctor informed them of the dangers after they experienced bouts of coughing that took longer than normal to heal, because apparently the heavy doses of water purification chemicals suppresses the immune system, meaning people take longer to respond to treatment.
“He told me I have a severe cough, because of too much chemicals used in treating the water. He, therefore, advised me to avoid drinking tap water and to instead resort to buying water from local retail shops,” the patient said.
Asked whether there is any truth in the doctor’s assertion that due to the low water levels Windhoek’s water is contaminated and that too many chemicals are being used to treat the water, the City of Windhoek dismissed the allegations as factually inaccurate.
CoW spokesperson Lydia Amutenya yesterday said the aim of water treatment is to remove contaminants and disease-causing microorganisms through a combination of biological, chemical and physical processes to make it safe for drinking. She said the treatment process is adjusted and optimised, based on the quality of the raw water supplied by bulk water supplier NamWater.
“The City of Windhoek receives treated water from NamWater, which is preserved (by chlorination) and distributed to consumers. An extensive monitoring programme ensures that water that reaches consumers complies with the relevant national and international standards for potable water.
“It will be highly appreciated if factual evidence regarding the allegation by the medical doctor that you mentioned above is made available to us in order to investigate,” she noted.
She further said Windhoek’s drinking water is monitored continuously and the quality conforms to the official Namibian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines, as well as other international standards, such as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Drinking Water Guidelines.
She said in case of water contamination the City would definitely alert the public and prescribe measures to be taken to eliminate or reduce the associated health risks.
Asked what advice the City has for residents regarding the safety of drinking water, she said the municipality administers a comprehensive and continuous water quality monitoring programme to ensure the safety of the water distributed to consumers.
“The City is aware that drinking water quality is very important to consumers and, therefore, encourages the consumer to report any problems pertaining to water quality in order for these to be promptly investigated and the results of the investigation made available quickly to the complainant,” she said.
Customer complaints about Windhoek’s water quality can be directed to the following numbers: 061-2903470, 061-2903469, 061-2903643 and 061-2903400.