Rand Water has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the Vaal Dam has been poisoned and that residents should boil tap water before consumption, describing the information as false and misleading.

In a media statement issued on Saturday, January 24, the bulk water supplier said it is aware of a WhatsApp voice note causing alarm among residents by warning against drinking tap water. Rand Water stressed that there is no truth to the claims and that the water supplied to consumers remains safe for use.

According to Rand Water, raw water is abstracted from the Vaal Dam and undergoes a comprehensive treatment process before it is supplied to municipalities and households. The utility said rigorous and continuous testing is carried out on both raw and treated bulk water to ensure it meets required safety standards.

The statement also emphasises that recent water quality results confirm that Rand Water’s treated bulk water supply fully complies with the South African National Standard for Drinking Water (SANS 241).

Rand Water added that, as the bulk water services provider, it remains committed to protecting public health and can confidently confirm that consumers may continue to drink water directly from the tap.

The utility urged residents to rely on its official and verified communication platforms for accurate information as unverified social media messages can cause them to panic unnecessarily.

Rand Water said it will communicate formally should any bulk water-related issue arise and encouraged the public to direct queries to its designated spokespeople through official channels. Residents who have concerns about water quality are advised to verify information before sharing it further.