The Tshwane Municipality has lifted the advisory requiring residents to boil water for the Pretoria CBD and surrounding areas. This decision follows laboratory analyses confirming that the water supplied through the Findlay Reservoir meets drinking water standards.
Executive Mayor Nasifé Moya announced on Saturday that the latest microbiological tests detected no E. coli or total coliform bacteria, allowing residents to resume normal use of tap water without prior boiling.
The advisory was initially issued after microbial contamination was found in groundwater sourced from the Fountains springs. The municipality isolated the contaminated groundwater source and switched the Pretoria CBD and neighboring areas to an alternative supply from the Salvokop Reservoir.
Technical teams subsequently cleaned the Findlay Reservoir, applied chlorine shock treatment to the affected distribution network, and conducted further water quality testing. Moya noted that despite the safety of the alternative source, the advisory remained in effect as a precaution because contaminated water might still be present in parts of the distribution network.
Moya highly praised the work of the City's technical teams but admitted that residents should have been notified sooner. She stated: 'In particular, the delay in communicating the initial water boiling advisory was unacceptable, and I sincerely apologize to the affected residents.'
It has been announced that this incident will be investigated as part of a broader independent inquiry launched following the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit. The investigation will examine the circumstances of the contamination in the Pretoria CBD, including potential negligence and reasons for the delayed notification to residents.
Moya emphasized that 'if failures are identified, appropriate corrective actions and consequence management will follow.'
Despite the cancellation of the advisory, work continues to repair a damaged sewage pipe in Groenkloof, which caused temporary groundwater contamination from the Fountains springs. Groundwater feeds the Findlay Reservoir along with water from Rand Water.
Moya specifically stressed that this incident is unrelated to the issues that arose in Bronkhorstspruit. She reported that the City will repair the sewage pipe and rehabilitate the affected section of the river. Once groundwater testing confirms the elimination of contamination, the pipeline to Findlay Reservoir will be flushed before restoring groundwater supply.
The City will continue regular water quality monitoring to ensure drinking water meets required standards and will inform residents of any changes affecting their water supply. Furthermore, Moya urged residents to use water economically and responsibly, avoid unnecessary consumption, and report leaks, as pressure on the City's water supply is increasing.