Drinking water quality profile of Mohokare Local Municipality

Abstract

Introduction: Access to safe drinking water in South African municipalities continues to be a struggle. The study aimed to assess the drinking water quality of Rouxville (RX), Smithfield (SM) and Zastron (ZN) in Mohokare Local Municipality in the Free State. Mohokare Local Municipality’s Blue drop score was 27.58% in 2023, indicating poor performance. Mohokare Local Municipality has had a concerning Blue Drop score over the years with a concerning score of 27.58% in 2023. This study aims to profile the drinking water quality of the municipality to provide insights into factors that may contribute to its poor Blue Drop performance. Methodology: Drinking water samples were collected monthly from 14 sample sites over a period of three years. Water samples were then analysed by the Institute for Groundwater Studies (IGS) at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein for water quality assessment. The drinking water samples were assessed based on 10 water quality properties including colour, alkalinity, fluoride, nitrite, nitrate, sulphate, aluminium, total organic carbon, total coliform, and E. coli. The data was statistically analysed and compared to drinking water quality standards set by SANS 241 (2015). The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI) was also used to determine the overall water quality of the sample sites. Results: The findings revealed that several sample sites had non-compliant values when compared to SANS 241 (2015). Particularly concerning were high values of total coliforms in multiple sample sites, indicating the presence of potential pathogens in the water system. Fluoride, nitrate and sulphate values were within acceptable limits across all three sampling years. The CCME-WQI revealed that the drinking water quality of Mohokare Local Municipality was either classified as Marginal or Fair, indicating that the water quality may be occasionally or frequently threatened. Conclusion: The study supports the low Blue Drop score obtained by the Municipality and contends that urgent interventions, including maintenance of the water treatment plants (WTPs), are required to improve the water quality. Poor drinking water quality may cause waterborne illnesses such as diarrhoea, which is the leading cause of infant mortality. The indicators for water treatment effectiveness such as total coliform and E. coli were poor, indicating that the municipality requires assistance with the water quality management and treatment processes.