ENVIRONMENT and ENERGY
41
Rotting from the outside in
While driving from one place to another due to the nature of my
profession, I have started noticing the putrid smell of rotting and
rotten water on the outskirts of many towns and cities.
By Andrew (‘Andy’) Camphausen
Stagnant water can be attributed to many
circumstances, including flash floods, failing
infrastructure, minimal maintenance, and
infrastructure challenges upstream of the water, to
name but a few.
Many water-related diseases are brought about by
stagnant water, but the single most prevalent of these in
South Africa is malaria. We are heading into summer; it
is also hotter this year and will most probably get worse.
As all life depends on water for its survival, pools of
water or non-flowing streams can be frequented by a
myriad of animals. These animals have natural parasites
attached to them that sometimes fall into the stagnant
water, thus assisting mosquito larvae to thrive, since
they now have a source of food.
As stagnant pools of water are usually found near to
humans due to the various reasons mentioned, the
largest danger of the spread of diseases are derived
from mosquitoes reaching adulthood in these pools of
water.
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Obviously, we need to combat this threat proactively by
being mindful of these dangers and by looking at the
challenges upstream of the source of danger.
Here are a few things that we can do to minimise
the spread of deadly diseases in our rural and urban
societies:
• If you were to be called out to unblock a drain
for example, it would be prudent to take a walk
around the property to identify possible dangers
or challenges that contribute to stagnant water.
This could be in the form of a visible leaking pipe
or leaking outside tap. This problem should be
brought to the attention of the homeowner, thus
adding value to your business by selling add-on
services.
• Only use approved fittings. Suppliers are not
required by law to sell plumbing fittings that comply
with the regulations, but both installer and user are
liable if the fittings fail to comply. Insist that your
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
suppliers confirm that fittings are of an appropriate
quality and standard. Both in this country and in
neighbouring countries, the SABS mark of approval
is the minimum prerequisite.
Most mixers contain flow-restricted aerators in
the outlet. It is important that the outlets are kept
clean by installing in-line strainers and ball lever
valves on the incoming water line. This will protect
the integrity of the mixers and lessen the danger
of product-related malfunction, which can lead to
water stagnation downstream.
Submerged inlets to baths or handbasins are
considered a risk and must be protected by the use
of a double check valve on the hot and cold-water
inlets.
Insulate pipework in exposed places, for example
under the eaves of buildings or in the ceilings of
roofs.
On regularly exposed cistern driven toilets, install a
servicing ball lever or screw lever valve on the inlet
of the cistern, thereby protecting the integrity and
the maintenance of the system.
Install low-flow or flushing toilet cisterns or
mechanisms.
Other examples of the prevention of stagnant water in
domestic water related systems exist, but these are the
most important.
What are you doing to contribute positively to the
drought and the prevention of stagnant water related
diseases? PA
Andrew Camphausen
Andrew (Andy) Camphausen
has been in the building/
plumbing industry for over
20 years. During his six
years in the Free State,
he was nominated and
served as the vice-chairman
of IOPSA Free State. He
was offered a Regional
Management position at
Cobra Watertech, which is
still his employer today.
In 2011, Andy was
promoted to National
Channel Manager of the
Commercial Sector, where
he was transferred to the
head office in Bryanston,
Gauteng.
These animals have natural
parasites attached to them
that sometimes fall into
the stagnant water, thus
assisting mosquito larvae
to thrive, since they now
have a source of food.
November 2016 Volume 22 I Number 9