The City of Tshwane Municipality has warned residents supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit water system not to use tap water for human consumption, following laboratory results that revealed serious bacterial contamination.
This comes after 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness in the Bronkhorstspruit area were reported between 7 and 18 October 2026.
Affected residents include those in Bronkhorstspruit and its surrounding areas, including Zithobeni, Rethabiseng, Ekandustria, Ekangala and Dark City, as well as communities supplied through the cross-border water system to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
In a statement, the municipality said tap water should only be used for flushing toilets until the city officially confirms that it is safe for other uses.
“Residents must use safe water supplied by city-owned water tankers until the city officially confirms that the tap water is safe again,” the municipality said.
According to the municipality, water samples collected from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant and the Zithobeni and Ekandustria reservoirs on 14 October 2026 revealed serious bacterial contamination.
Laboratory results received on 17 October detected high levels of E. coli and other bacteria, indicating possible contamination from human or animal waste.
Residents have been urged not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food, washing hands, brushing teeth, bathing, making ice, or washing fruit and vegetables.
The municipality emphasised that boiling the contaminated tap water does not make the water safe for use.
Residents have also been advised to discard stored tap water and clean storage containers with soap and water, followed by domestic bleach, before refilling them with safe tanker water.
“Safe water must be kept in clean containers with lids and poured out when needed. Residents should avoid dipping hands or cups into stored water.
“Those with large storage tanks should obtain cleaning and disinfection guidance from the city,” the municipality said.
Water tankers dispatched
The municipality said it will continue supplying free drinking water through water tankers while the advisory remains in place.
The tanker water will be tested to verify its safety, with the city aiming to provide at least 15 litres per person per day.
Collection points and delivery schedules will be shared with the affected communities.
Residents who need a tanker or wish to report a missed delivery can contact the city on 012 358 9999 or 080 1111 556 and provide their names, street addresses, area and a nearby landmark.
The municipality has also encouraged residents to report households where older people, people who are ill or people with disabilities require assistance collecting water.
Restoring safe water supply
The city assured residents that technical teams are working around the clock to address the water quality problems and restore a safe supply.
Communities are urged to continue observing the restrictions until the municipality officially confirms that tap water is safe for use.
Updates will be communicated through the City’s WhatsApp channels, website at www.tshwane.gov.za and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityOfTshwane.
Residents are encouraged to share verified notices with their neighbours.
The municipality apologised for the disruption and thanked affected communities for their patience and cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za
