The City of Tshwane lifted the boil-water advisory for Pretoria CBD and surrounding areas supplied through Findlay Reservoir on 24 October 2026 after laboratory tests confirmed the water meets drinking standards, the municipality announced.
Microbiological tests conducted at Findlay Reservoir detected no traces of E. coli or total coliform bacteria, signalling the water is now safe for consumption without boiling. The advisory was initially issued on 22 October following detection of contamination linked to the reservoir.
Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said, “Residents may therefore resume normal use of their tap water without boiling it.” She also acknowledged delays in communication, apologising for the late warning: “The delay in communicating the initial boil-water advisory was unacceptable, and I sincerely apologise to affected residents.”
The contamination was reportedly tied to a damaged sewer pipe in Groenkloof, though this has not been independently verified by all sources. In response, the city isolated the Findlay Reservoir’s supply and switched the Pretoria CBD water system to flow from the Salvokop Reservoir until further safety assurances were secured.
The initial contamination detection came from water-quality testing on 21 October 2026, with the advisory issued the following day. After stabilising supply, subsequent testing on 24 October cleared the water, prompting the city to lift the advisory.
In light of the recent Bronkhorstspruit water crisis and this event, Tshwane has launched an independent investigation to examine potential negligence and why residents were not warned earlier, according to the mayor’s statements.
This episode highlights the fragility of urban water infrastructure and the critical importance of timely communication to protect public health. For Cape Flats residents and other South African communities, it underscores ongoing challenges in municipal water safety, access, and trust.
The City of Tshwane will continue monitoring supply quality and updating residents as the investigation progresses and measures are implemented to prevent future incidents.