NWSC SWIFTLY ADDRESSEES WATER QUALITY CONCERNS IN FORT PORTAL

The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has swiftly addressed recent concerns over reports of discoloured water in parts of Fort Portal. While the incidents appear to be isolated, the Corporation’s Water Quality Directorate has launched enhanced measures to safeguard public confidence and uphold water safety across the region.

Chaired by Dr. Rose Kaggwa, Senior Director of the Business and Scientific Services (BSS) Directorate, and attended by NWSC’s Water Quality and Regional Operations teams, including Dr. Eng. Irene Nansubuga, Director of Water Quality, and Eng. Moses Bigabwa, Senior Manager of Operations Central Region, a high-level technical meeting was convened at the International Resource Centre (IREC) in Bugolobi in response.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the discolouration is not a sign of contamination but rather the result of several contributing factors, including delayed cleaning of water storage tanks, both at NWSC reservoirs and customer premises; stagnant water in unused taps and old plumbing systems; and seasonal changes in raw water sources, particularly following heavy rains.

“Most of the water samples collected from Fort Portal are within national safety standards,” said Dr Kaggwa. “Nonetheless, we understand that visual changes in water can cause alarm, and we are treating this matter with the seriousness and transparency it deserves.”

NWSC has gone ahead and outlined a proactive action plan, intensifying surveillance of water quality across all served areas, including institutional facilities such as State House lodges. The Corporation is also incorporating after-sales support services for institutional customers, including scheduled tank cleaning.

Water quality assessments will now be conducted more frequently, both at the source and within the distribution network. Where necessary, old infrastructure is being replaced or upgraded, and the use of stainless steel taps and fittings is being encouraged to minimise rust-related issues.

Public awareness is also being scaled up, with NWSC urging customers to adopt good hygiene practices such as cleaning domestic tanks every three months and flushing taps after long periods of non-use. Any changes in the colour, taste, or smell of water should be reported promptly through the NWSC toll-free line (0800200977 or 0800300977).

A detailed status report is currently being compiled, covering tank cleaning schedules, regional water quality trends, and facilities that may require immediate intervention, all with the aim of ensuring consistent and safe water supply throughout Fort Portal and beyond.

Impressively, NWSC is also exploring the adoption of automated, real-time water quality monitoring technologies. While full-scale implementation may take time due to high costs, the corporation is prioritising investments in skilled personnel, routine sampling, and customer engagement as its primary strategy for maintaining water safety.

“Our water is safe, and we are taking additional steps to ensure it stays that way,” noted Dr Nansubuga. “But water quality is a shared responsibility. Together with our customers, we can sustain a clean and safe supply by promoting good hygiene practices at household and institutional levels.”

To maintain open and accountable service, NWSC will continue to publish periodic updates, strengthen community engagement, and keep communication channels open to respond to emerging issues effectively.

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