uMngeni-uThukela detects high iron levels at Harding Dam

Bulk water supplier uMngeni-uThukela has detected elevated levels of iron and manganese in one of its dams on Thursday.

But the utility has assured residents the detection poses no health risk.

It said that the water quality results from the Harding Dam show results higher than the specific limits for iron and manganese content.

The Harding Dam supplies water to parts of the Ugu District Municipality on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal.

Spokesperson for uMngeni-uThukela Water Siyabonga Maphumulo said the water remains safe for human consumption.

“The elevated iron and manganese levels in the final water are a direct result of increased concentration of these elements in the raw water resource at Harding Dam. Current water quality results indicate that while the final water is out of specification in terms of the limits for iron and manganese, it fully complies with the prescribed health limits as per SANS 241 standards.

"The water therefore remains safe for consumption although consumers may experience discolouration, altered taste or staining due to the elevated iron and manganese concentrations.”