Johannesburg – The latest water quality testing by the City of Johannesburg shows significant improvement, with only two of the seven sampling points still failing to meet the minimum drinking water standards.
The tests were prompted by reports of contaminated water in some parts of Johannesburg.
“As of 4 January 2026, water quality results show significant improvement, with only two of the seven sampling points still failing to meet the minimum drinking water standards,” the City of Johannesburg said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes.
The City said the problem began after a water pipe burst was reported at the corner of 10th Avenue and Albertina Sisulu Road in Bezuidenhout Valley.
“The damaged steel water pipe was located near a sewer manhole, and repairs required specialised welding, including the removal of a T-piece,” the statement said.
“While the team awaited a welding crew’s availability, a nearby sewer manhole became blocked and overflowed, spilling sewage into the trench and mixing with water from the damaged pipe.
“On Monday, 29 December, during efforts to isolate and repair the water line, sewage infiltrated the water pipe through the damaged section.”
Residents subsequently complained to Johannesburg Water about the sewage-like smell in the water.
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“By this time, jetting equipment was already on site and successfully unblocked the sewer line,” explained the City.
The Acting Senior Manager, Ward Councillor, and Cydna Laboratory were immediately notified of the incident.
“As a precaution, water meters on affected properties were removed, residents were advised not to use water, and a water tanker was deployed,” the City said.
Repairs to the water pipe were completed on Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
The system was then flushed, and Cydna Laboratory collected water samples.
Laboratory results typically take 36– 48 hours.
“The first set of test results indicated non-compliance at all sampling points, and the system continued to be flushed,” the City stated.
“A second round of testing showed improvement, with three of the seven sampling points passing.
“A preliminary confirmation was issued on Thursday, 1 January, and the affected area was narrowed down to 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Avenues, Albertina Sisulu Road, and 10th Street.”
The City said further flushing was conducted, and additional samples were taken.
“As of 4 January 2026, water quality results show significant improvement, with only two of the seven sampling points still failing to meet the minimum drinking water standards (SANS 241,” the City said.
“As an added precaution, bulk dosing is underway to ensure broader flushing of the network, even though the impact was limited to a small area.”
