World · Africa · 2 hrs ago
Tshwane residents told not to drink tap water after hundreds fall ill
Authorities in Tshwane, the area that includes Pretoria, warned residents not to drink or cook with tap water after contamination made it unsafe.
More than 400 people fell ill between October 7 and 18, most of them children under four.
Tests found high levels of E. coli in water from the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant, and patient samples contained several other pathogens that can cause stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
The plant went without chlorination for three weeks because of problems with its chlorine supplier.
Residents have been told to use the water only to flush toilets, while tankers are supplying clean drinking water.
No deaths or cholera infections have been reported, although the area suffered a deadly cholera outbreak in 2023.
The national government has intervened and hopes to resolve the crisis within days.
Residents in parts of Tshwane, which includes Pretoria, have been told not to drink tap water after hundreds of people fell ill.
Tests found high levels of E. coli in water supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant.
Officials reported 408 cases between October 7 and 18, mostly among children under four, with no deaths reported.
The water has been declared unfit for human consumption and should only be used to flush toilets.
The national government has intervened, and water tankers have been sent to supply clean drinking water.
- Who
- Residents in about five townships in Tshwane, including many children under four, have fallen ill.
- What
- Authorities warned residents not to drink or cook with tap water after contaminated water was linked to hundreds of illnesses.
- When
- Cases were detected between October 7 and 18, 2026. The warning was reported on October 20.
- Where
- Tshwane, the municipality that includes Pretoria, South Africa.
- Why
- Tests found high levels of E. coli in water supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant. The plant went without chlorination for three weeks because of problems with its chlorine supplier.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Officials detected 408 cases of illness in about five townships.
New cases peaked at 72, according to government records.
The health department said sampled stools contained no cholera bacteria.
Authorities warned residents not to drink or cook with tap water, and President Cyril Ramaphosa said the national government had intervened.
- Cases
- 408 detected between October 7 and 18
- Affected area
- About five townships in Tshwane
- Water source
- Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant
- Water test
- High levels of E. coli found
- Plant issue
- Three weeks without chlorination
- Deaths
- None reported
3 sources
What people are saying
We cannot afford a situation where our people are drawn to illness because of our inability to treat water properly.
We are very sorry that it has resulted in the challenge of gastroenteritis.
No cholera bacteria were found in the sampled stools.
Previously stored water should be discarded, and water containers must be disinfected using household bleach.