Water Quality Dynamics in the Mohokare Local Municipality: A Focus on the Rouxville Rural Community

The study evaluated the drinking water quality of Rouxville (RX) in Mohokare Local Municipality in the Free State, using chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters in comparison with South African National Standard 241 (SANS 241:2015). Drinking water samples were collected monthly from five sample sites, including the water treatment plant (WTP) and four end-user points, over a period of three years (2021–2023). Microbiological parameters revealed persistent non-compliance, with total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) frequently exceeding recommended limits by SANS 241 at multiple sites. The highest total coliform concentration of 201 CFU was recorded at the Rouxville Water Treatment Plant during the third year (2023) of sampling, while E. coli reached a maximum of 11 CFU at an end-user point, indicating the presence of possible pathogens in the water system. Colour exceeded the recommended limit (15 Pt-Co mg/L) at all sampling sites, with the highest value of 133 Pt-Co mg/L recorded at Rolelethunya Library. Chemical parameters mostly complied with SANS 241 limits, elevated values of total alkalinity and aluminium were observed at certain sites, particularly during the third year (2023) of sampling. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) was also used to determine the overall water quality of the sample sites. The findings revealed that several sample sites had non-compliant parameters. The CCME-WQI revealed that the drinking water quality of Rouxville was either in the marginal or fair category, indicating that the water quality may be occasionally or frequently threatened, posing public health risks. These findings highlight the urgent need to ensure regular maintenance of WTP and ensuring continuous microbial monitoring.