UPDATE: Tshwane reveals what lab tests found in tap water

The City of Tshwane has lifted the boil-water advisory affecting the Pretoria CBD and surrounding areas supplied through Findlay Reservoir.

Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya confirmed the decision in a press statement on Saturday, 24 October, after laboratory results showed that the water meets drinking water quality standards.

Tests show no trace of bacteria in the water

According to the City, the latest microbiological testing at Findlay Reservoir recorded no detectable E. coli or total coliform bacteria.

“Residents may therefore resume normal use of their tap water without boiling it,” the statement reads.

The advisory followed microbial contamination in groundwater supplied by the Fountains Springs. The City traced the problem to a damaged sewer pipe in Groenkloof.

Technical teams isolated the affected source and switched the CBD to an alternative supply from Salvokop Reservoir. They then cleaned Findlay Reservoir, applied chlorine shock treatment to the distribution network and carried out further tests.

The City kept the advisory in place after the switch because contaminated water could still have been present in parts of the network.

Mayor apologises for late warning

Moya praised the technical teams but acknowledged residents’ frustration over how the City handled the warning.

“In particular, the delay in communicating the initial boil-water advisory was unacceptable, and I sincerely apologise to affected residents,” she said.

She added that the independent investigation launched after the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis will also examine this incident, “including whether any negligence occurred and why residents were not warned timeously.”

“Where failures are established, appropriate corrective action and consequence management will follow,” Moya said.

The City stressed that the Pretoria CBD incident is unrelated to the problems in Bronkhorstspruit.

Repairs continue in Groenkloof

Work continues on the damaged sewer pipe, and the City will also rehabilitate the affected river section. Once groundwater testing confirms that the contamination is gone, the City will flush the pipeline to Findlay Reservoir before it restores the groundwater supply. Findlay Reservoir also receives water from Rand Water.

The City says routine water-quality monitoring will continue so that residents stay informed of any developments affecting their supply.

Moya also urged residents to use water sparingly and to report leaks.

“With increased pressure on the City’s water supply, avoiding unnecessary wastage and reporting leaks will help maintain a reliable supply for all communities,” she said.