Overstrand Municipality is addressing ongoing water quality concerns affecting some properties in Baardskeerdersbos, particularly along sections of Main Road, where residents have reported discoloured water and occasional odours.

Following ongoing investigations by municipal officials, the issue is believed to be linked to historical build-up within parts of the water reticulation network rather than the water treatment process itself. A programme of systematic flushing of the network is currently underway, with additional flushing points being installed at strategic locations to improve the effectiveness of the process and ensure that water lines can be fully cleared.

Municipal officials are also investigating contributing factors such as water pressure within the system.

Residents can be assured that, despite these challenges, the Baardskeerdersbos Water Treatment Plant is operating within the required water quality limits. To further improve continuous water quality monitoring, additional in-line monitoring equipment will be installed at the plant. Additional buffer tanks are currently being installed at the treatment plant, with completion expected by the end of June.

The pH of treated water is maintained at the highest level permissible within applicable guidelines to minimise the risk of iron and manganese deposits, which have accumulated in sections of the reticulation network over time, becoming suspended in the water supply. The reservoir has also been cleaned as part of the ongoing corrective measures.

To address the matter, Overstrand Municipality is implementing the following additional interventions:

• Six additional fire hydrants will be installed throughout the network to improve flushing and scouring capabilities, particularly at dead ends and in the lower-lying sections of the system. These installations are expected to be completed by the end of June 2026. Exact dates will be communicated at least two days in advance. The municipality will endeavour to isolate only small sections of the network at a time to minimise disruption to consumers.
• The municipal reticulation network will be flushed weekly on Tuesdays between 09:00 and 10:00. Residents are encouraged to open an outside tap at approximately 10:30 for about two minutes to assist in clearing any residue from their domestic reticulation systems. Temporary water discolouration may occur during flushing operations and should clear after taps have been allowed to run for a short period.
• The existing pressure reducing valve in the network will be serviced over the next two weeks and adjusted to a lower downstream pressure setting to reduce pressure fluctuations within the reticulation system.

The municipality remains confident that the combination of targeted flushing, improved scouring capability, pressure management and ongoing monitoring will address the current water quality concerns. Residents will be kept informed of progress and any planned interruptions associated with the implementation of these measures.