Cape Town is facing a serious water quality concern that homeowners and businesses can no longer afford to ignore. We are seeing unprecedented low LSI (Langelier Saturation Index), low alkalinity, and very soft water across the city. According to Mike Hastie from SANS Water—who works directly with the leading SANAS accredited laboratories in the Western Cape—this situation is alarming and needs immediate attention.
Water that is too soft and low in alkalinity can become highly corrosive, attacking copper pipes, geysers, fittings, and appliances from the inside out. Over time, this leads to:
Transitioning from one problem to the next, the risks only multiply if left unchecked. That is why now, more than ever, a proper water test is absolutely essential.
Many people think a simple, over-the-counter strip test will do the job. However, these basic kits miss critical parameters like LSI, alkalinity, and hardness. To get an accurate picture of your water quality, you need to work with a SANAS accredited laboratory.
This ensures:
As Mike Hastie stresses, “This is not a drill—Cape Town residents need to take action before serious damage occurs.”
Getting a water test from a SANAS accredited laboratory is simple. Reach out to SANS Water and book your test. Mike and his team will guide you through the process, take samples correctly, and ensure your results are analyzed by the top SANAS labs in the Western Cape.
Waiting until your pipes burst or your geyser fails will cost far more than a proactive test. Transition words aside, the bottom line is clear: prevention is cheaper than repair.