Katima residents told brownish tap water is safe
Discoloured but not dangerous, NamWater says
Among several water-related concerns, the municipality has confirmed that it is actively working to resolve ongoing sewer issues affecting some neighbourhoods.
NamWater has acknowledged growing concern among Katima Mulilo residents about the brownish colour of tap water but insists the water remains safe to drink despite its appearance.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the bulk water supplier said the discolouration is due to elevated levels of iron and manganese in the Zambezi River, the town’s main water source.
The seasonal changes, coupled with the Katima Mulilo treatment plant operating beyond its design capacity, have put strain on the purification process – particularly the overloaded sand filters, the utility said.
NamWater said that while the water poses no microbiological health risk, its appearance has understandably caused concern.
The utility is now implementing short-term measures, including increasing disinfectant dosages and more frequent backwashing of filters.
It has also advised high-volume users, such as Meatco, to apply additional filtration to reduce turbidity while longer-term solutions are being developed.
A key step towards resolving the issue was the closure of a tender for filter rehabilitation and sand replacement on 8 May. Procurement and evaluation are under way, and NamWater says it aims to begin physical work as soon as possible.
NamWater has appealed for continued patience, emphasising that both interim and long-term measures are being implemented to restore confidence in Katima Mulilo’s water supply.
Blocked pipes
Meanwhile, the Katima Mulilo Town Council is contending with ongoing sewer challenges, particularly in the Ngweze location.
In an update issued late last month, council said ageing sewer infrastructure and the improper disposal of solid waste into manholes have led to blockages and burst pipes in several areas.
Three households in Ngweze have been the worst affected, with sewer overflows posing a serious health risk.
Despite severe financial constraints, council said it has prioritised repairs in the affected zone. Work to replace damaged pipes began on 21 April, with a contractor currently on site. Excavation has revealed old pipes clogged with solid waste and extensive damage.
The town council has urged residents to avoid disposing of solid waste into sewer lines and has pledged to upgrade critical infrastructure as funding allows.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the bulk water supplier said the discolouration is due to elevated levels of iron and manganese in the Zambezi River, the town’s main water source.
The seasonal changes, coupled with the Katima Mulilo treatment plant operating beyond its design capacity, have put strain on the purification process – particularly the overloaded sand filters, the utility said.
NamWater said that while the water poses no microbiological health risk, its appearance has understandably caused concern.
The utility is now implementing short-term measures, including increasing disinfectant dosages and more frequent backwashing of filters.
It has also advised high-volume users, such as Meatco, to apply additional filtration to reduce turbidity while longer-term solutions are being developed.
A key step towards resolving the issue was the closure of a tender for filter rehabilitation and sand replacement on 8 May. Procurement and evaluation are under way, and NamWater says it aims to begin physical work as soon as possible.
NamWater has appealed for continued patience, emphasising that both interim and long-term measures are being implemented to restore confidence in Katima Mulilo’s water supply.
Blocked pipes
Meanwhile, the Katima Mulilo Town Council is contending with ongoing sewer challenges, particularly in the Ngweze location.
In an update issued late last month, council said ageing sewer infrastructure and the improper disposal of solid waste into manholes have led to blockages and burst pipes in several areas.
Three households in Ngweze have been the worst affected, with sewer overflows posing a serious health risk.
Despite severe financial constraints, council said it has prioritised repairs in the affected zone. Work to replace damaged pipes began on 21 April, with a contractor currently on site. Excavation has revealed old pipes clogged with solid waste and extensive damage.
The town council has urged residents to avoid disposing of solid waste into sewer lines and has pledged to upgrade critical infrastructure as funding allows.
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