Temba Water Treatment Plant shut down over poor water quality

Water Treatment Plant in Tshwane.

The City of Tshwane says the Temba Water Treatment Plant will remain closed until the water quality stabilises. The city was forced to shut down the plant last week due to a sewer discharge flowing into the Apies River, which feeds into the Leeukraal Dam, the primary water source for the Themba Water Treatment Plant.

The sewer discharge caused a decline in the quality of the raw water, rendering it unsafe for treatment and distribution.

City of Tshwane Acting Spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, says the decision to temporarily shut down the plant was taken as a precautionary measure to public health.

Mashigo says the city’s technicians are monitoring the water quality for improvements.

“The plant’s normal operations will only resume once the water quality stabilises. The following areas continue to be affected: Dilopye, Renstown, Hammanskraal West, Suurman, Lepheng, Sekampaneng, Majaneng Unit 7, Refentse. Roaming water tankers, which the city arranged in consultation with Ward Councillors, will continue to provide water to the affected customers,” adds Mashigo.