Masvingo City Council has acknowledged reports that it has been pumping muddy water into homes and businesses, saying the problem was caused by maintenance work which was carried out on a major pipeline.
In a statement, over the weekend the local authority said the water was not a health hazard even though it looked discoloured. The statement read:
The City of Masvingo acknowledges the recent reports of discoloured tap water which is brownish in colour.
This is a result of pipeline maintenance work which was carried out on the line from Bushmead Waterworks to Target kopje Reservoirs from the 14th to 15th of January 2021.
Hence, the disturbance on the line resulted in the scouring of the pipes and when normal water pressure resumed yesterday the 16th of January 2021, loose dirty and rusty particles got blown out with the water.
Though rusty water may look and taste unpleasant and possibly stain sinks, tubs and clothes, it is not a health concern.
That said, just because brown water is not dangerous or harmful, we still do not recommend drinking it.
However, the water is expected to clear as the day progresses.
Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted.