A WhatsApp message warning residents not to drink tap water can quickly cause concern, particularly when it claims that the municipal water supply is contaminated. However, Johannesburg Water has dismissed circulating messages claiming that water across Johannesburg is unsafe to drink, describing them as fake.

In a statement, the utility said there was no confirmed water contamination incident affecting the entire city and urged residents not to share unverified messages that could cause unnecessary panic and confusion.

Johannesburg Water clarified that water quality concerns reported in specific areas should not be interpreted as affecting the entire city. Any precautionary advisory issued by the utility applies to the areas identified in the notice.

Residents in affected areas are advised to follow the instructions provided in the relevant official advisory until it is lifted.

The utility encouraged customers to verify water-related warnings through its official communication channels before forwarding them to others.

Bronkhorstspruit water crisis highlights importance of official warnings

The warning against unverified messages comes amid a separate water contamination crisis in Bronkhorstspruit, where hundreds of residents have sought medical treatment for gastrointestinal illness linked to contaminated water.

According to a joint statement issued by the national departments of Health and Water and Sanitation, the Gauteng provincial government and the City of Tshwane on October 19, laboratory tests detected extremely high levels of E. coli and total coliforms in water supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.

The investigation found that the treatment plant had not chlorinated its water supply between September 24 and October 14 because of difficulties with its chlorine supplier.

According to SAnews, the number of gastrointestinal illness cases linked to the incident had risen to 833 by October 26, when Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina provided an update during an oversight visit to the area. No deaths had been reported at that stage.

The City of Tshwane warned residents supplied by the affected water system, including communities in Bronkhorstspruit, Zithobeni, Rethabiseng, Ekandustria, Ekangala and Dark City, not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, brushing teeth or other personal and household uses. The water was permitted only for flushing toilets until the city confirmed it was safe for other uses.

Authorities also warned that boiling the affected water would not make it safe. Residents were advised to obtain drinking water from designated municipal water tankers.

The Bronkhorstspruit incident is separate from the viral messages claiming that Johannesburg’s entire water supply is contaminated. It highlights the importance of checking official notices and following area-specific instructions rather than relying on forwarded messages.

How residents can check water quality

Johannesburg Water encourages residents to report water quality concerns so the utility can investigate and collect samples where necessary.

Residents can take the following precautions:

• Verify warnings: Check Johannesburg Water’s official communication channels before sharing messages about possible contamination.
• Look for changes: Unusual colour, cloudiness or smell does not necessarily confirm contamination, but should be reported for investigation.
• Report concerns: Contact Johannesburg Water’s Contact Centre on 010 061 4470 or send a private message through its official social media platforms. Provide your full address, name, surname and contact number.
• Follow official advisories: Check whether a warning applies to your neighbourhood and follow the instructions until the relevant authority confirms that restrictions have been lifted.
• Use filters appropriately: Not all water filters remove the same contaminants. Check what a filter is designed to remove and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

Boiling water can kill many disease-causing microorganisms, but it does not remove all chemical contaminants. Residents should therefore follow instructions issued by the relevant water authority rather than relying on boiling or filtering as a universal solution.

Johannesburg Water said water quality samples are tested through an accredited laboratory process at its Cydna Laboratory. The utility reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe drinking water and maintaining compliance with SANS 241 and Blue Drop standards.