Warning on Diepsloot water

Water in some areas of Diepsloot may be contaminated, Joburg Water has said, urging people not to drink the tap water until the system is restored.
RESIDENTS of Diepsloot have been warned not to use tap water after the third water tests undertaken by Joburg Water showed there may be contamination, the municipal-owned entity said today.

The tests were run after suspicions of contamination were reported.

As a contingency measure, water tankers were provided, according to the utility’s spokesperson, Millicent Kabwe. “We therefore appeal to the residents to remain patient and use the water tankers while Joburg Water restores the water system back to normal.”

She said the water tankers would be strategically positioned to prioritise the elderly, people with disabilities and children.

However, water in Diepsloot West was declared safe and pumps would be opened for normal use later tonight. Other sections were still being investigated.

The third batch of samples yielded negative, implying that the water was not safe to drink as it may contain contamination, explained Kabwe.

She said the utility was working around the clock to restore safe water in the affected sections of Diepsloot. The City alerted the community to the traces of contamination on Friday, and people were warned immediately not to drink the tap water.