Water safety fears in Joburg as 54-hour maintenance begins

Joburg Water is expected to address concerns of water safety on Monday following reports of possible contamination.

A strong stench was detected by some residents in the CBD and Bez Valley last Monday.

Johannesburg Water said the possible contamination was traced to a sewer spill while work was being conducted on its infrastructure.

Water advocacy group WaterCan called on the City to release the results of water quality tests.

The organisation's Jonathan Erasmus urged residents to avoid drinking water from taps where possible.

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“Until there’s a notice issued for the affected areas, I would be cautious of drinking the water. I am aware that water tankers have been dispatched but that’s always an issue. But find alternative sources whether it is bottled water or from friends who doesn’t live in the area just to get you by these next few days until there’s much more clarity on the levels of contamination”

Meanwhile, parts of the city were set to be without water from Tuesday as the third leg of Rand Water’s scheduled 54-hour maintenance gets underway. It is expected to take three to four days before the water was fully restored.

Story written by Dimakatso Leshoro.