Water delivered to Zimbabwe’s capital contains high levels of bacteria, acid and sedimentary impurities, a state daily reported on Thursday, saying it falls short of local and world health standards.
”Toxin-producing blue-green algae are consistently present in the drinking water,” the Herald said, quoting a report by the Harare municipality’s works department.
”Free residual chlorine is consistently low in the drinking water and viable counts of bacteria and coniforms continue to be present in the drinking water.”
City authorities blame the deteriorating water quality on poor treatment by the Zimbabwe Water Authority appointed by the government to manage water in major towns and cities.
The report, which follows tests done by the municipality and independent microbiological analysts, says water quality falls short of World Health Organisation and Standards Association of Zimbabwe safety standards.
Acting director of works Michael Jaravaza told the Herald several food manufacturers have complained about the poor water quality and said they could stop production if the quality does not improve.
The latest findings contradict claims by Health Minister David Parirenyatwa two months ago that Harare’s water was safe for drinking.
Harare has been experiencing water problems that worsened in recent months leading to outbreaks of dysentery in high-population suburbs.
Residents from some areas resorted to drawing water from unprotected wells after going for weeks without water supplies. — Sapa-AFP