Johannesburg Water has cautioned residents against spreading unverified information on social media, particularly WhatsApp, regarding the city's water quality. These warnings emerged following several claims that the water throughout the city is contaminated and unfit for drinking.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Johannesburg Water reported that there are currently no confirmed cases of city-wide water contamination. The agency emphasized that concerns about water quality pertaining to a specific area should not be interpreted as a problem for the entire city.
Johannesburg Water clarified that any water quality advisories issued by the agency apply exclusively to the specific areas mentioned in the relevant notification.
Previously, Johannesburg Water issued a notice to residents of the Bezuidenhout Valley requesting them to refrain from consuming tap water due to contamination concerns. At that time, the agency stated that the water quality in the affected zone had not yet been confirmed and further tests were being conducted.
An agency representative, Nombuso Shabalala, explained that the concern over water quality in the Bezuidenhout Valley arose because a fallen log landed on a sewage pipe being installed by contractors. Subsequent testing revealed that the water was not contaminated.
Johannesburg Water strongly urged citizens to verify all notifications through the agency's official communication channels before dissemination, as this can cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion. The agency also asked residents to report any water issues, especially if the water has an unusual color or odor.
Should such problems arise, teams will be dispatched to the respective area to collect samples for subsequent analysis in an accredited laboratory. Residents are advised to contact the Johannesburg Water call center at 010 061 4470 or send private messages to the official social media pages.