Bezuidenhout Valley tap water is safe again. Flush your pipes first
Johannesburg Water has lifted its precautionary alert on 8th Avenue in Bezuidenhout Valley after two rounds of lab tests passed. Residents can drink the water again but should flush their pipes first.
Johannesburg Water has lifted its precautionary water quality alert in part of Bezuidenhout Valley. Residents of the affected properties can drink their tap water again and use it for cooking and other household needs (The Citizen).
Lab tests on samples taken on 23 and 25 October met the required standards for microbiological and chemical quality, the utility said (IOL).
Which properties does this cover?
The same properties that were under the alert, along 8th Avenue where it crosses (IOL):
- 4th Street
- 5th Street
- 6th Street
- 7th Street
Is the water back on?
Not necessarily yet. Johannesburg Water said its technical team will reopen supply to the properties "as soon as practically possible" but gave no time (The Citizen).
What should you do before using the water?
Flush your pipes. Johannesburg Water asks residents to open the taps in the house for a short while to clear out water that sat in the line during the restriction (The Citizen).
Why was there an alert?
A tree stump fell onto a water pipeline at the corner of 6th Street and 8th Avenue while a contractor was digging to replace a sewer pipe. Residents were told on 22 October not to use their tap water until tests confirmed it was safe (Reported).
Johannesburg Water said the second round of samples, on 25 October, was an extra precaution to double-check the first results. Both came back compliant (The Citizen).
The alert applied only to these properties. Johannesburg Water has separately dismissed WhatsApp messages claiming the whole city's water is contaminated as fake (IOL).
How do I report a problem?
Johannesburg Water takes queries on 0860 056 2874 or 010 061 4470, or by email to [email protected]. Official updates are posted on its customer notices page.
Last updated: 28 October 2026, 09:55 SAST.
FAQ
Is Bezuidenhout Valley tap water safe to drink now?
Yes. Johannesburg Water lifted its precautionary alert after samples taken on 23 and 25 October met microbiological and chemical quality standards. Residents can drink, cook with and use the water as normal.
Which Bezuidenhout Valley properties were affected?
Properties along 8th Avenue at its intersections with 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th streets.
When will water supply be restored in Bezuidenhout Valley?
Johannesburg Water said its technical team will reopen supply as soon as practically possible. It gave no specific time.
What should I do before using the water again?
Open the taps in your house for a short while to flush out water that stayed in the pipes during the restriction, as Johannesburg Water advises.