Smelly Joburg Water Scare Eases As Test Results Show Supply Is Safe

Concerns over “smelly” and potentially contaminated water in parts of Johannesburg have eased after Johannesburg Water confirmed that the latest quality tests show the supply is safe for consumption in most affected areas.

Residents had raised alarm after reporting a strong and unpleasant smell coming from their tap water late last month, prompting an urgent investigation by the utility.

No E. coli Found in Latest Water Tests

Johannesburg Water issued an initial alert on 30 December 2025 following complaints from residents along Albertina Sisulu Road and surrounding streets — including 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th avenues, as well as 10th Street — in the Johannesburg CBD and Bez Valley.

In an update released on Monday, 5 January 2026, the utility said the latest test results were reassuring.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: KZN Police Kill Two Suspects Armed With AK-47s

“As part of the ongoing investigation and interventions, 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,” Johannesburg Water said.

“From a public health perspective, the system is therefore considered clear of faecal pollution.”

Elevated Coliforms Detected but ‘Manageable’

While no dangerous bacteria were detected, Johannesburg Water said some samples showed elevated total coliform levels, which are commonly found in soil.

“Tests do show elevated total coliform levels 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.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Police Open Case After Racial Slur Row Erupts At Gqeberha Club

To address this, Johannesburg Water has increased chlorine dosing where needed and continues with ongoing monitoring and repeat sampling to ensure the water meets SANS drinking water standards.

“With the current improvement trajectory in the water quality by the observed quality levels, it can be expected that normal supply could be restored within the next couple of days,” the statement added.

However, the utility confirmed that the initially impacted area remains isolated until the system is deemed fully safe.

Maintenance to Cause Water Interruptions Across Joburg

As the water quality issue stabilises, Johannesburg residents are also being warned of limited or no water supply due to planned maintenance by Rand Water.

The third leg of Rand Water’s maintenance programme is scheduled from Tuesday, 6 January at 4am, until Thursday, 8 January at 8am — a 54-hour shutdown.

“This 54-hour maintenance will be undertaken to replace a certain isolation meter in the Rand [Water] bulk supply pipes,” Johannesburg Water said.

“During this time, affected Johannesburg Water systems will decline until empty, which will result in poor pressure or no water. Direct feeds will be affected by no water for the duration.”

Johannesburg Water added that once maintenance is completed, systems could take three to five days to fully recover.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky