The City of Tshwane Municipality has warned residents supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit water system not to drink tap water after laboratory tests revealed serious bacterial contamination. This follows 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness reported in the Bronkhorstspruit area between 7 and 18 October 2026.
Affected residents include those in Bronkhorstspruit and its surrounding areas, including Zithobeni, Rethabiseng, Ekandustria, Ekangala and Dark City, as well as communities supplied through the cross-border water system to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
In a statement, the municipality said residents should use tap water only for flushing toilets until the city officially confirms it is safe for other uses.
“Residents must use safe water supplied by city-owned water tankers until the city officially confirms that the tap water is safe again,” the municipality said.
Chart by The Outlier. Text by GroundUp Staff. 2 Oct 2026 Possible waste contamination
According to the municipality, water samples collected on 14 October 2026 from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant and the Zithobeni and Ekandustria reservoirs revealed serious bacterial contamination.
Laboratory results received on 17 October detected high levels of E. coli and other bacteria, indicating possible contamination from human or animal waste.
Residents have been urged not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food, washing hands, brushing teeth, bathing, making ice, or washing fruit and vegetables.
The municipality emphasised that boiling contaminated tap water does not make it safe to use.
Residents have also been advised to discard stored tap water and clean storage containers with soap and water, followed by domestic bleach, before refilling them with safe tanker water.
“Safe water must be kept in clean containers with lids and poured out when needed. Residents should avoid dipping hands or cups into stored water.
“Those with large storage tanks should obtain cleaning and disinfection guidance from the city,” the municipality said.
Municipal-supplied safe water
The municipality said it will continue supplying free drinking water through water tankers while the advisory remains in place.
The city will test the tanker water to verify its safety and aims to provide at least 15 litres per person per day.
The city will share collection points and delivery schedules with affected communities.
Residents who need a tanker or wish to report a missed delivery can contact the city on 012 358 9999 or 080 1111 556 and provide their names, street addresses, area and a nearby landmark.
The municipality has also encouraged residents to report households where older people, ill people, or people with disabilities need help collecting water.
The city assured residents that technical teams are working around the clock to address the water quality problems and restore a safe supply.
Communities are urged to continue observing the restrictions until the municipality officially confirms that tap water is safe for use.
