Water is safe to drink
Residents in some parts of Windhoek have been assured that the discoloured water currently affecting several suburbs is safe for consumption, according to the City of Windhoek. In a statement issued today by the municipality, the City explained that the brownish appearance of water in certain areas followed a recent interruption in water supply from NamWater after damage to a pipeline carrying water from the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant to Windhoek.
The interruption caused reservoir levels across the city to drop significantly, leading to different causes of discolouration in both northern and southern suburbs. According to the City, low reservoir levels in northern areas caused residue that had settled at the bottom of reservoirs to become suspended in the water. Areas such as Katutura and Okuryangava were among the most affected.
In the southern suburbs, the discolouration resulted from the increased use of borehole water introduced into the system to supplement supply during the emergency period. The municipality noted that flushing and scouring of the borehole system had been conducted before the additional water was released into the network. The City said water supply has since stabilised and reservoir levels have returned to normal. However, some residents may continue to experience discoloured water as the system gradually flushes out the affected water.
Authorities stressed that the issue is aesthetic and does not pose a health risk. Water disinfection levels were maintained throughout the disruption, while ongoing tests continue to confirm that the microbiological quality of the water remains within safe standards.
Residents still experiencing persistent water discolouration have been urged to contact the City’s Customer Contact Centre on 081 950 3777 for assistance.
The City of Windhoek apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked residents for their patience and cooperation while the water system continues to normalise.
