Joburg Water debunks fake WhatsApp claims of citywide water contamination

Johannesburg Water has dismissed fake WhatsApp claims that the city’s water is contaminated, urging residents to verify water quality alerts through official channels as recent tests in Bezuidenhout Valley found no contamination.

Johannesburg Water has warned residents not to believe fake messages being shared on social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, about the city’s water quality. 

This follows several claims that the entire city’s water was contaminated and unsafe to drink. In a statement issued Tuesday, Johannesburg Water said no confirmed water contamination incidents are currently affecting the entire city. 

It said water quality concerns affecting a specific area should not be interpreted as affecting the whole city. 

“Any precautionary water quality advisory issued by Johannesburg Water applies to the specific areas identified in that notice.” 

Johannesburg Water previously issued a notice warning Bezuidenhout Valley residents not to consume tap water because of contamination concerns. At the time, the water agency said it had not confirmed the quality in the affected area and was conducting further tests.

Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said concerns about Bezuidenhout Valley’s water quality arose because a tree stump fell onto a sewer pipe contractors had been laying. Testing later revealed the water was not contaminated. 

Johannesburg Water urged residents to verify notices through the agency’s official communication channels before sharing them, as that may cause unnecessary confusion and worry. 

Johannesburg Water urged residents to report any water concerns to the agency, especially if water has an unusual colour or smell. Teams would then be deployed to the area to collect samples for testing through an accredited laboratory process. 

For any concerns, residents are encouraged to contact Johannesburg Water’s contact centre on 010 061 4470, or to send a private message on official social media platforms.