RESIDENTS in Amanzimtoti and several surrounding areas have been urged to boil their tap water before drinking, following concerns raised about water supplied by the Toti Water Works.

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eThekwini Municipality issued the precautionary notice on March 12, advising consumers in areas including Amanzimtoti CBD, Athlone Park, Winklespruit, Warner Beach, Doonside, Lower Illovo, Illovo Glen, Panorama Park, Adams Mission, KwaMakhutha and parts of Lovu to boil tap water before consumption.

The municipality said preliminary laboratory tests indicate the water meets the requirements of the South African National Standard (SANS) 241 for drinking water quality. However, other issues reported by some consumers, such as taste, smell or dirty appearance, remain a concern.

As a precaution, residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before drinking it or using it to prepare beverages, juices or baby formula. Ice made from tap water should also not be used.

The boil-water alert will remain in place for the next seven days while remedial work continues and monitoring of water quality is intensified.

The municipality said bathing, washing hands and doing laundry remain safe, provided the water is not swallowed. Residents are also encouraged to brush their teeth with boiled or bottled water.

Consumers who cannot boil water are advised to disinfect it by adding one teaspoon of unscented household bleach to 20 litres of water and allowing it to stand for at least two hours before use.

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