Johannesburg water sewage contamination concerns ease as tests show improvement

Concerns over water quality in parts of Johannesburg are beginning to ease after Joburg Water confirmed that most samples now meet drinking water standards following a contamination scare.

Water tests were conducted in and around Albertina Sisulu Road after residents raised concerns about the safety of their drinking water.

What caused the contamination?

According to Joburg Water’s Gugulethu Quma, the incident was linked to unplanned maintenance work carried out on 29 December in an older suburb with ageing infrastructure.

He explained that potable water pipes, stormwater systems and sewer lines often run close together in these areas. During maintenance on a water pipe, a nearby sewer blockage led to a potential cross-contamination.

As a precaution, the water supply to the affected area was shut off immediately.

Test results show improvement

Quma says hundreds of water samples were taken in the affected zone. Initial results showed several samples failed to meet minimum drinking standards.

However, by Tuesday evening, only two samples still fell short of safety requirements, both within a much smaller impact area.

“The area of concern has been reduced substantially,” he says.

Alternative water supply in place

Residents in affected areas are currently being supplied with alternative water through roaming water tankers while the system is flushed and restored.

Joburg Water says no further consumption from the contaminated network is possible while repairs continue.

Is the rest of the city’s water safe?

Quma stresses that Johannesburg’s water quality is monitored daily, with regular testing conducted by accredited laboratories to ensure compliance with national drinking water standards.

He says the utility can intervene quickly when any anomalies are detected, either by adjusting treatment levels or, in severe cases, shutting down supply to protect residents.

Upcoming maintenance planned

Meanwhile, residents in parts of Soweto and Roodepoort can expect scheduled water interruptions from 6 to 8 January due to bulk infrastructure maintenance by the city’s supplier.

Joburg Water says contingency plans include both roaming and stationary water tankers at clinics, police stations and other critical facilities.

No further large-scale maintenance shutdowns are planned for January or February.

Infrastructure investment brings disruptions

Quma acknowledges that Johannesburg’s ageing water infrastructure has suffered from years of underinvestment, resulting in frequent pipe bursts and service interruptions.

He says increased capital funding is now being directed toward upgrades and replacements but warns that this will require more maintenance-related shutdowns in the short term.

“These disruptions are necessary to stabilise the system in the long run,” he says.

Joburg Water believes the current investment drive could result in fewer major disruptions, as critical infrastructure is gradually renewed.

For more information, listen to Quma using the audio player below: