Joburg Water running tests after odour complaints in CBD

Johannesburg
Thandoluhle Ngcobo

Thandoluhle Ngcobo

30 December 2025 | 10:13

The affected area includes Albertina Sisulu Road and surrounding streets, namely 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Avenues, as well as 10th Street. 

Joburg Water running tests after odour complaints in CBD

Picture: Pixabay/balouriarajesh

Johannesburg Water has launched precautionary water quality testing in parts of the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) following reports from customers of an unusual odour in tap water.
The affected area includes Albertina Sisulu Road and surrounding streets, namely 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Avenues, as well as 10th Street.
The utility said complaints were first received from customers on Monday, 29 December 2025, when residents reported a strong smell coming from their taps.
As a precautionary measure, residents and businesses in the affected area have been advised not to consume tap water until further notice while assessments are underway.
Joburg Water said it has isolated the water supply in the affected section by closing the relevant pipelines and has collected water samples for laboratory testing to confirm water quality.
The utility said the decision to isolate the supply was taken to protect public health while investigations continue.
The isolation of the network has also resulted in water outages in surrounding suburbs, including Bezuidenhout Valley and nearby areas.
In the interim, Johannesburg Water is providing alternative water supply through roaming water tankers to support affected customers, and residents are encouraged to make use of the tankers while testing and assessments are being conducted.
The water utility said once the investigation is complete, the affected pipelines will be flushed as part of the restoration process before water supply is fully reinstated.
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