Johannesburg Water has assured residents of Bezuidenhout Valley that there is no evidence of fecal contamination in the area’s tap water following complaints of a strong, unusual odour. The utility said recent tests showed no detection of E. coli at any sampling points, indicating that the system is clear of faecal pollution.
The assurance follows renewed calls by civil society group WaterCan, which has urged municipalities across Gauteng to implement sustainable plans to protect the province’s water supply.
Residents in parts of the Johannesburg CBD and Bezuidenhout Valley recently raised concerns about tap water emitting a strong, unusual smell.
WaterCan communications manager Jonathan Erasmus welcomed Johannesburg Water’s decision to launch precautionary testing, stating that it was the correct immediate response, but warned that the situation once again highlights the broader crisis facing the country’s water sector.
“What is positive about this is that Johannesburg Water launched precautionary water tests and did what we would have asked immediately,” Erasmus said.
“We do have a crisis in the provision of water, but this once again highlights the challenges we are facing not only in Johannesburg, but countrywide, in ensuring access to clean, potable water.”
Johannesburg Water confirmed that it initiated precautionary water quality testing following the complaints.
“From a public health perspective, there is currently no evidence of faecal contamination in the affected section of the network, and the system is considered clear of faecal pollution,” the utility said.
However, the utility revealed that tests indicated elevated total coliform levels, organisms commonly found in soil.
Johannesburg Water said the presence of these organisms is not unusual under certain conditions and can be effectively managed through optimal chlorination.
“To address this, Johannesburg Water is increasing chlorine dosing where required,” the utility said, adding that ongoing monitoring and repeat sampling are being conducted to track improvements and ensure water quality meets the required SANS standards.
Johannesburg Water said that based on the current improvement trajectory and observed water quality levels, normal supply is expected to be restored within the next couple of days.
In the meantime, the initially affected area remains isolated and inaccessible to consumers until the system is deemed fully safe for consumption.
The Star
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