Authorities issued a no-tap-water advisory across five Tshwane communities due to E. coli and coliform bacteria contamination, leaving hundreds ill.
Residents in five Tshwane communities are under a strict advisory not to use tap water after contamination led to 408 people falling ill, primarily children under four. The warning, in effect on Tuesday, October 20, follows an investigation into failures at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina confirmed that untreated water was supplied for three weeks without prior notification to residents in areas including Bronkhorstspruit, Zithobeni, Dark City, Rethabiseng, and Sokhulumi.
The contamination stemmed from the municipality failing to chlorinate water between September 24 and October 14. Water drawn from the Bronkhorstspruit River, which receives sewage from malfunctioning infrastructure, showed extremely high levels of E. coli and total coliform bacteria on October 14. Health authorities recorded 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness, with patients reporting diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Norovirus, Campylobacter, and Shigella were detected in patient samples, though no cholera bacteria were found.
The City of Tshwane restored chlorine supplies on October 15 and reopened the treatment plant the next day, but the water has not yet been declared safe. Emergency water tankers have been deployed, with plans to increase the fleet to 36. The Water Research Commission will conduct independent tests, with an investigation report expected by October 28. Residents are advised to discard stored water and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
Why it mattersFour hundred and eight residents, mostly young children, are suffering from gastrointestinal illnesses due to the consumption of contaminated tap water.
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