KNYSNA NEWS - According to Acting Municipal Manager Dawid Adonis, the municipality has completed various phases in clarifying Knysna's drinking water.
"We have already recorded a significant improvement in the colour index and, while the water has always been safe for consumption, we are also seeing an improvement in water quality," he said.
"As part of our plans to reduce the high colour of the water, we have repaired six filters. We have also replaced the existing silica sand filtering material, which is more than 16 years old, with glass. Glass filter media has a life expectancy of 20 years."
The municipality has not only completed maintenance work on one of the 12,5ML plants, but has de-sludged the settling tanks and cleaned the settling ponds.
Increased pumping capacity and activity at the Charlesford pump station had temporarily increased the colour and turbidity of the water at the weir, affecting the colour of raw water pumped to the treatment works.
After requesting assistance from experts in the field, various measures to aid in clearing the water were identified.
They are currently conducting maintenance work on the remaining plants. Changes will also be made at the chemical dosing point. A continuous pH meter will be installed and the dosing of soda ash to correct pH levels will be revised.
The air/water diffusers and scrapers are continuously monitored and maintained. The quality of raw water pumped from Charlesford will clear once the new pumps have settled into the natural river sump.
"These measures have been taken to assure that we provide our residents with access to clean, potable water in the interim," Adonis said. "We understand residents' frustration with the turbid water, and thank you for your patience while we remedy the situation. Knysna Municipality remains committed to providing water that is compliant with the relevant legislated standards and ensures that all potable water is tested by an independent South African National Accreditation System (Sanas) accredited laboratory."
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