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In a recent video that is doing the rounds on social media, translucent worm like creatures can be seen swimming around in a glass of water. The person shooting the video goes on to state that they drew the water from a tap in Kroonstad area.

Upon discovering this footage, the Department of Water and Sanitation immediately started an investigation into the matter, together with Moqhaka Local Municipality. The person who shot the video was found and samples were taken from the tap where the water was abstracted and taken to an accredited laboratory for testing. Samples were also taken from various houses in the area and also from surrounding areas.

It was discovered that the incident was an isolated occurrence and the water in the area was not contaminated. The lab technicians explained that Chironimidae larvae is sometimes found when a tap is not being utilized for a certain period. Given the recent rainfall that precipated humid conditions, creates  a conducive environment for flies and mosquitoes to lay their eggs inside a tap where it is moist. These eggs hatch within 2-3 hours causing the larvae The larvae were then flushed into the glass in this instance.

Gerhard Janse Van Noordwyk who heads the Drinking Water and Waste Water Management section in DWS Free State, said that it would be fairly impossible for the larvae to go through the distribution system. The pressure and turbulence with which the water is traveling through the pipes would shred the larvae and they would also not be able to survive  the free available chlorine levels in the water. Free Available chlorine ensures effective disinfection of the water throughout the water distribution system.

It is advisable to let water run out for a few seconds before pouring for consumption during times of high temperatures and humidity, especially in areas where flies and mosquitoes regularly occurs. It is also advisable to keep buckets and jars, in which drinking water is stored, covered and in a cool place.

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation