Perceptions and Investigation of Poor Water Quality Supplied to The Resident of The City of Bloemfontein

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein 9301, Free State, South Africa
² Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Central University of Technology Bloemfontein 9301, Free State, South Africa

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Water shortages remain a significant challenge in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM), affecting socio-economic development, agriculture, and residents’ well-being. Frequent water interruptions have also contributed to negative perceptions about the quality of water supplied in Bloemfontein. This study aimed to evaluate existing water infrastructure and assess water quality provided by Vaal Central Water and MMM, while also examining community perceptions. A mixed-methods approach was applied in two phases. The first phase used a questionnaire (n= 115) to gather quantitative data on public perceptions, while the second involved laboratory analysis of water samples from both supply sources. Advanced techniques, including spectrophotometry, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and microbial tests, were employed. Findings revealed a link between perceived and measured water quality, particularly in terms of colour and turbidity. Elevated zinc and microbial levels exceeded SANS 241 standards in some cases. Overall, infrastructure performance is adequate, but maintenance gaps and poor communication contribute to public dissatisfaction.