Calls grow for regular water testing after odour complaints in Joburg

A drop of water from a tap.

Civil society group WaterCan has reiterated its call to municipalities in Gauteng to ensure they regularly test water before it can be consumed by residents.

This follows concerning reports by residents in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) and Bezuidenhout Valley of a strong, unusual odour coming from their taps.

Despite Joburg Water launching precautionary water quality testing in response, water experts have warned that the solution will not be simple as the water issues stem from failing infrastructure, frequent burst pipes and poor maintenance.

[LISTEN] Dr. Ferrial Adam from WaterCAN says residents of Johannesburg need transparency about the bad-smelling water. This comes after Johannesburg Water warned residents in some CBD areas not to drink tap water due to possible contamination.

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WaterCan Communications Manager Jonathan Erasmus has called for a sustainable plan to keep the city’s water clean.

“What is positive about this is that Johannesburg Water launched precautionary water tests immediately. However, we do have a crisis in the provision of water but once again it highlights the water crisis the whole country is facing.”