Ekurhuleni tap water is safe
Residents are reassured that water gets tested frequently and is safe for consumption.
Following the current outbreak of cholera in the Tshwane area and recent concerns raised regarding the safety of drinking our water, the City of Ekurhuleni assured residents the tap water they supply is of excellent quality and safe for human consumption.
The water quality section of the city does continuous sampling and analysis of the tap water at various sampling points within the city’s water network to confirm compliance with the South African National Standard for Drinking Water (SANS 241).
Water quality needs to comply with microbiological, physical, aesthetic, operational and chemical determinants.
They measure the quality and drinkability of water against a national standard, known as the South African National Standard for Drinking Water (SANS 241-1:2015 Edition 2 and SANS 241-2:2015 Edition2) which requires that the following parameters be measured:
Acute health: Determinant that poses an immediate unacceptable health risk if present at concentration values exceeding the numerical limits specified in SANS 241.
Aesthetic: Determinant that taints water concerning taste, odour or colour and that does not pose an unacceptable health risk if present at concentration values exceeding the numerical limits as specified in SANS 241.
Chronic health: Determinant that poses an unacceptable health risk if ingested over an extended period if present at concentration values exceeding the numerical limits as specified in SANS 241.
Microbiological health compliance: Microbial water quality is the state of the water concerning the absence of good water quality or the presence of specific disease-causing microorganisms.
Operational: Determinant that is essential for assessing the efficient operation of treatment systems and risks to infrastructure.
Based on the above, the city can confirm that its water quality complies with the SANS 241 requirements.
The city publishes potable water quality monitoring results on their website every month which are easily accessible to the public.
Should there still be concerns or further enquiries, direct them to the water quality managers of the city:
• South/west region: Smuts Marais, 011 999 2630, email: Smuts.marais@ekurhuleni.gov.za
• North/east region: Annamarie Maurizi, 011 999 8736, email: Annamarie.maurizi@ekurhuleni.gov.za
