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Keeping our waters clean and safe

Access to clean water is crucial for the health of the public. Whether you use it for drinking, food preparation, personal and domestic hygiene, growing food, income generation or recreational activities, it plays a vital role in keeping us healthy and safe. However, people living in under-resourced settings often have limited access to clean water and sanitation. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with pre-existing ill health conditions are at an increased risk of water-related illnesses.

Wastewater Sampling Guide: Passive sampling

This sampling guide was developed solely for the purposes of the SAMRC wastewater surveillance and research programme. Users are advised that this guide has not been evaluated for purposes beyond the current scope of the SAMRC research programme on wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. This is a working draft which is updated as required.

View the complete Wastewater Sampling Guide: Passive sampling

Wastewater Sampling Guide: Grab sampling

This sampling guide was developed solely for the purposes of the SAMRC wastewater surveillance. Users are advised that this guide has not been evaluated for purposes beyond the current scope of the SAMRC research programme on wastewater surveillance for SARSCoV-2. This is a working draft which is updated as required.

View the complete Wastewater Sampling Guide: Grab sampling

Lead hazards in fishing communities

Melting lead to make fishing sinkers is very dangerous!

Along its long coastline, as well as its rivers and lakes, many South Africans practice fishing for commercial, subsistence and recreational purposes. Fishing, as well as diving, often involves the melting of lead to make sinkers or weights. Unfortunately, many people melt lead without realizing that it can cause serious contamination of the environment. The practice is also highly hazardous to the health of those melting lead, as well as their families and friends.

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