Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has moved to allay growing public concern over discoloured tap water in several suburbs, attributing the problem to increased turbidity in raw water drawn from Umzingwane Dam following recent heavy rains.
In a statement, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the local authority had received numerous complaints from residents and stakeholders reporting brownish water and, in some cases, an unusual odour.
He, however, assured residents that despite its unpleasant appearance, the water remained largely safe for domestic use.
Mr Dube said routine operational monitoring and laboratory tests conducted at the city’s water treatment plants showed that most chemical parameters — including pH levels, conductivity and alkalinity — were within acceptable limits.
He said the primary challenge is heightened turbidity, which affects clarity and gives the water a muddy colour.
“The main cause of the discolouration is due to high turbidity in the raw water coming from Umzingwane Dam, especially after recent rains. Heavy rainfall can make it harder for treatment processes to work efficiently,” said Mr Dube.
He explained that under such conditions, residual sediments can move through the distribution system, resulting in visible discolouration or occasional odours at consumers’ taps.
“Under these conditions, some processes such as sedimentation and sludge removal are more difficult. This has caused leftover sediments to move within the system and as a result, consumers might see discolouration or the water could have some odour,” said Mr Dube
He said council is implementing a series of interventions aimed at restoring normal water quality.
These include intensified monitoring of the distribution system, flushing of affected pipelines to remove residual sediments, and improving sludge removal processes at the treatment works.
Mr Dube said the local authority is in the process of purchasing equipment and spare parts to enhance the efficiency of the plants during periods of high turbidity.
Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura) chairperson, Mr Winos Dube, said while residents appreciated the explanation from the local authority, the situation remained worrying, particularly for households with young children and the elderly.
“Water is life, and any change in its quality naturally creates fear among residents. We urge our communities to remain vigilant and to report any water-based issues urgently to council so that corrective measures can be taken quickly,” he said.
“At the same time, we call upon the city council to address the matter as a genuine emergency because access to clean and safe water is a basic right.”
Mr Dube said the discolouration had forced many families to spend additional money buying bottled water.
“Communication is key. People want to know what is happening, how long this will last and what precautions they should take. Council must be visible and proactive,” he said.
Bulawayo has for years been grappling with water supply challenges linked to its semi-arid climate and reliance on a limited number of dams.
During the rainy season, inflows often carry high volumes of silt and organic matter into reservoirs, increasing turbidity and placing pressure on ageing treatment infrastructure.
Prolonged dry spells frequently result in water shortages, forcing council to ration water.
Over the past decade, the city has endured repeated water crises marked by extended shedding schedules, pipe bursts and reduced pumping capacity.
Environmental experts argue that climate change, catchment degradation and rapid urban expansion have worsened the situation, underscoring the urgent need to modernise water treatment facilities.
A local health practitioner cautioned that although turbid water may meet chemical safety standards, its appearance can undermine public confidence and push residents towards unsafe alternatives such as unprotected wells or unhygienic storage.
“It is advisable for households to boil or disinfect water when in doubt and avoid using visibly dirty water for drinking or preparing infant food,” the practitioner said.
Meanwhile, civic groups have renewed calls for long-term investment in alternative water sources, including the long-delayed Lake Gwayi–Shangani, rehabilitation of ageing pipelines and adoption of modern filtration technologies.
