Kamogelo Moichela|Published
Johannesburg Water has warned residents in Bezuidenhout Valley not to drink or use tap water because of possible contamination. The restriction will remain in place until laboratory tests confirm that the water is safe.
The warning follows repairs to a damaged water pipeline at the corner of 6th Street and 8th Avenue, which were completed on Wednesday.
Johannesburg Water 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.
On Thursday, teams continued flushing the pipeline and collecting water samples for laboratory testing.
“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 said 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 at least 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded in Tshwane following the Bronkhorstspruit water contamination crisis.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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