Concerns over smelly and potentially contaminated tap water in parts of Johannesburg have been eased after Johannesburg Water confirmed that most recent samples now meet drinking water standards.
The utility issued an alert on 30 December 2025 following reports of possible water contamination affecting Albertina Sisulu Road and surrounding streets – including 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th avenues, as well as 10th Street – in the Johannesburg CBD and Bezuidenhout ‘Bez’ Valley.
The alert followed complaints from residents who reported a strong smell coming from their tap water on 29 December 2025.
No evidence of faecal contamination
In an update issued on Monday, Johannesburg Water said the latest test results show the water is free from faecal contamination.
“The most recent water quality test results show no detection of E. coli at any sampling points, confirming that there is currently no evidence of faecal contamination in the affected section of the network,” the utility said.
Johannesburg Water added that from a public health perspective, the system is considered clear of faecal pollution.
However, tests did indicate elevated total coliform levels, which are commonly found in soil.
“The presence of these organisms is not unusual under such conditions and can be effectively managed through optimal chlorination,” the utility said.
Chlorine dosing increased
To address the issue, Johannesburg Water said it is boosting chlorine dosing where required, while ongoing monitoring and repeat sampling continue to ensure water quality complies with SANS standards.
“With the current improvement trajectory in the water quality, it can be expected that normal supply could be restored within the next couple of days,” the utility said.
For now, the initially affected areas remain isolated and inaccessible to consumers until the system is deemed fully safe.
54-hour water outage ahead
Meanwhile, Johannesburg residents are being warned to prepare for limited or no water supply as Rand Water undertakes the third phase of its planned maintenance.
The 54-hour maintenance started at 04:00 on Tuesday, 6 January, and will end at 08:00 on Thursday, 8 January.
According to Johannesburg Water, the work involves replacing an isolation meter on Rand Water’s bulk supply pipes.
“During this time, affected Johannesburg Water systems will decline until empty, resulting in poor pressure or no water,” the utility said.
“Direct feeds will be affected by no water for the duration.”
Once the maintenance is complete, impacted systems are expected to take three to five days to fully recover.
Residents are urged to store water in advance and continue using water sparingly while restoration efforts are underway.
