By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Municipal water and sanitation utility Johannesburg Water has issued an alert over water contamination affecting parts of the city’s business district and Bezuidenhout Valley.
The warning follows repairs to a damaged water pipeline at the corner of 6th Street and 8th Avenue, which were completed on Wednesday, 22 October 2026
The water utility said the pipeline was damaged when a tree stump fell onto it during excavation work by a contractor replacing a sewer pipe.
The affected areas are along 8th Avenue at the intersections of 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Streets.
“Water supply will remain isolated until laboratory results confirm that the water is safe for use,” the entity said.
“Residents have been advised not to drink the water or use it for other purposes until Johannesburg Water issues an official notice confirming that it is safe.”
“Alternative water supplies will continue to be provided while the restriction remains in place.”
The entity added it would inform affected customers once laboratory results confirmed that the water met the required quality standards and normal supply could safely resume.
The warning comes a week after cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded in Tshwane following the Bronkhorstspruit water contamination crisis.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. It can spread through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces.
While many cases improve within a few days, the illness can cause dehydration, which can become dangerous if fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting are not replaced.