The Quality Of Water From Water Filters Or Water Purifiers

01 April, 2009 18:50

We have become aware of pamphlets being issued by the sellers of water filters who indicate that tap water could be a serious health hazard and implying that families are susceptible to cholera and other water-borne bacterial infections when drinking tap water.  Hundreds of water samples are analysed each month to ensure that the water supply in the eThekwini Municipality is safe.   We are one of the small number of cities in the world where the tap water is considered safe to drink by international standards.

Sometime ago, we conducted tests on water filters or purifiers connected directly to taps or which are designed to be used on a table-top.  The tests that we undertook showed that the counts of bacteria increase dramatically to the point where the water was not even safe for recreational purposes, based on acceptable international standards. 

We are looking for customers who have these filters in their homes and who would be prepared to allow us to take a sample of the water entering the filter and of the water once it has passed through the filter, to test the impact of the filter on the water quality.

If you have had such a filter in use for more than a month and are prepared to allow us access to your property to take controlled samples, please make contact with us giving your name, your contact number and the address where the filter is located.  

You can contact us as follows:
Tollfree via landline 080 13 13 013, by SMS’sing us on 083 707 3013 or by using MXiT on the cell phone number 083 707 3013 or emailing us at eservices@dmws.durban.gov.za or sending a fax to 031 311 8699 or 031 311 8220.

The statement is issued by eThekwini Communications and PR on behalf of by Mr Neil Maccleod, Head : Water and Sanitation Dept.