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The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is aware of the incident related to possible liquid gas chlorine supply shortages from the supplier based in Kempton Park, Gauteng. If this was to happen, the liquid gas chlorine shortages would have a possibility of affecting the treatment of potable water and effluent water managed by Water Service Authorities (WSA’s), Metros and Water boards.

DWS's National Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, says while DWS has no intention of speaking on behalf of the chlorine gas supplier, it believes the supplier will do everything in its power to ensure that water supply and effluent water treatment are not negatively impacted by the shortages.

Ratau further states that to date, DWS has not received any reports that water boards are experiencing shortages of chlorine in their operations. 

“As the department we hope that Waterboards, Metros and WSA’s have spare supplies that will last them until shortages subside” says Ratau. The latest report from the supply company indicates that production is stable at 80%. As of yesterday, 19 January 2021, the supply company was packaging chlorine for the City of Cape Town in accordance with the existing agreement.

DWS through its Provincial offices will continue to track daily reports across the country to determine how the shortages are affecting the WSAs, Metros and Waterboards if at all.

The department will monitor the developments and work with all affected parties, including the supply company, WSA’s, Water boards, and water specialists, to ensure the quality of the water supplied to water users and the receiving environment are  not compromised.

“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation