BRONKHORSTSPRUIT – The City of Tshwane Municipality has issued an urgent warning to residents supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit water system, advising against the use of tap water for human consumption following confirmed reports of severe bacterial contamination. This public health directive follows 408 reported cases of gastrointestinal illness in the Bronkhorstspruit area between 7 and 18 October 2026.
According to a statement released by the municipality, the advisory affects residents in Bronkhorstspruit and its surrounding areas, including Zithobeni, Rethabiseng, Ekandustria, Ekangala, and Dark City. The warning also extends to communities supplied through the cross-border water system to the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
City of Tshwane officials confirmed that water samples collected from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant, as well as the Zithobeni and Ekandustria reservoirs on 14 October 2026, indicated serious bacterial contamination. Laboratory results received on 17 October 2026 detected high levels of *E. coli* and other bacteria, pointing to potential contamination from human or animal waste.
A City of Tshwane Municipality spokesperson emphasized that tap water should currently be used only for flushing toilets until the city officially confirms it is safe for other purposes. Residents are strictly urged not to use the tap water for drinking, cooking, preparing baby food, washing hands, brushing teeth, bathing, making ice, or washing fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, the municipality stressed that boiling the contaminated tap water does not render it safe for use.
To mitigate the health risk, residents have been advised to discard any stored tap water immediately. Storage containers must be cleaned with soap and water, followed by domestic bleach, before being refilled with safe tanker water. The municipality specified that safe water must be kept in clean containers with lids and poured out when needed, cautioning residents to avoid dipping hands or cups directly into stored water. Those with large storage tanks are instructed to obtain specific cleaning and disinfection guidance from the city.
Water Tanker Deployment and Assistance
To ensure access to safe drinking water, the municipality has deployed city-owned water tankers to the affected areas. A municipal spokesperson confirmed that all tanker water is rigorously tested to verify its safety, with the city aiming to provide a minimum of 15 litres per person per day while the advisory remains in place.
Collection points and delivery schedules will be communicated directly to the affected communities. Residents requiring a water tanker or wishing to report a missed delivery can contact the city at 012 358 9999 or 080 1111 556. Callers must provide their names, street addresses, area, and a nearby landmark. The municipality has also actively encouraged residents to report households where older individuals, people who are ill, or persons with disabilities require assistance in collecting water.
Restoration of Safe Water Supply
The City of Tshwane has assured residents that technical teams are working around the clock to resolve the water quality issues and restore a safe, reliable supply. Communities are urged to continue observing all water usage restrictions until the municipality officially confirms that the tap water is safe for general use.
Ongoing updates will be communicated through the City’s official WhatsApp channels, its website at www.tshwane.gov.za, and its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CityOfTshwane. Residents are encouraged to share these verified notices with their neighbours to ensure widespread awareness.
The municipality has formally apologized for the disruption and thanked the affected communities for their continued patience and cooperation during this critical public health response.
