A video is circulating showing the disgusting state of the Glendinning Reservoir and in particular an unsecured structure on top of the reservoir site with a pipe/opening that is being used by people as a toilet.
The comment was that if there is even a possibility that this opening connecting to water infrastructure supplying residents, the municipality cannot wait.
Ward 6 Councillor Terri Stander was the first to respond saying:
I was on site yesterday and escalated the matter.
I am awaiting formal communication from NMB water experts who are doing all the necessary tests.
The old, vandalised, stripped telemetry building at the top of the reservoir is NOT part of the water treatment process.
The treatment and pumping happens in a new very high tech pump station.
The monitoring shaft that is definitely being contaminated is housed in the old telemetry building. I have asked if this has been decommissioned or in any way still connected to the reservoir.
My other concern is the lack of security and stripping happening on the new pump station building. The surveillance camera has been stolen, and the metal lightning conductor system is being stripped.
Further, there are vagrants occupying the area (as with most public spaces in our Ward)
Even with modern treatment systems being very effective and neutralising almost all contaminants: unsecured access to potable water infrastructure is unacceptable and poses a public health risk to thousands of people.
All water access points, such as the pump house and manholes, must be made criminal-proof; cameras must be linked to a monitoring centre where response teams can be deployed if necessary; and the vandalised structure housing the inspection shaft must be demolished.
I will provide the NMB response about the safety of the water as soon as I receive it.
The NMB Municipality responded thus:
The Municipality has taken note of the reported incident at the Glendinning Reservoir and is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.
Residents can be reassured that the latest water quality tests show zero E. coli, confirming that the water is safe for human consumption.
Continuous water quality monitoring remains in place across the Metro
Immediate action is taken whenever irregularities are detected
A full assessment of all reservoirs will be conducted to strengthen system integrity
We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any vandalism or suspicious activity affecting municipal infrastructure.
Together, we protect our water and our community.
