Lusaka, 2^nd January, 2024- The National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) under its mandate has allowed the 11 Commercial Utilities to super-chlorinate the water supplied during the current cholera outbreak, in order to prevent the further spread of the disease.

According to the Zambian Standard on Drinking Water Quality, ZS 190:2010, drinking water is supposed to maintain chlorine residual of between 0.2 to 0.5 mg/L. In the event of super-chlorination, Commercial Utilities can attain residual chlorine of more than 0.5 mg/L in order to contain any possible post-contamination that may occur in the water distribution network or in storage facilities at customer points. 

Further, NWASCO has directed Commercial Utilities to ensure water quality monitoring is enhanced by conducting ancillary tests and submit results to NWASCO weekly, apart from the approved scheduled water quality sampling which are currently submitted quarterly.

The Commercial Utilities will be required to submit reports detailing the measures being implemented for any failures observed during this period, allowing for quick action to be taken against the spread of the disease.

NWASCO is committed to ensuring that safety of the public through effective water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, by stopping the spread of any waterborne diseases.

-more-

Background

The National Water Supply and Sanitation Council was established under the Water Supply and Sanitation Act No. 28 of 1997 to regulate the provision of water supply and sanitation services in the country.

Issued by:

(Original signed)

Ms. Mandamu Mayowe

Public Relations Officer

National Water Supply and Sanitation Council