Game lodges and hotels with a suspect water quality supply often make the mistake of thinking they can solve the problem merely by installing purifiers on the taps used for drinking.

As the water quality situation in Southern Africa deteriorates, accommodation managers need to understand that the biggest danger to guests is through inhalation from steam during showering and absorption through bathing in contaminated water, Neil Hymers of Johannesburg-based Safe Water Solutions told Tourism Update.

Many lodges in areas with contaminated water are focusing on ingestion and food washed in contaminated water. But 70% of people who are poisoned by contaminated water are exposed to the toxins through inhalation or absorption, said Hymers.

He says new Australian technology has dramatically improved the cost effectiveness of purifying water. The Australians have made strides in improving a purifying process called electro flocculation. This means it is now feasible to purify all contaminated water coming into a property  as well as to also recycle water so that it can be reused in the garden, laundry and for toilet flushing.