The advisory covered the Pretoria CBD and surrounding areas supplied through the Findlay Reservoir.
Tshwane said the latest microbiological tests detected no E. coli or total coliform bacteria. Residents can therefore resume using tap water without boiling it.
The advisory was initially introduced after microbial contamination was detected in groundwater supplied by the Fountains springs.
Tshwane isolated the affected groundwater source and switched the Pretoria CBD and surrounding areas to an alternative supply from the Salvokop Reservoir.
Technical teams cleaned the Findlay Reservoir, applied chlorine shock treatment across the affected distribution network and conducted additional water-quality tests.
Although the alternative supply was regarded as safe, the advisory remained in place because contaminated water could still have been present in parts of the distribution system.
Tshwane apologised for the delay in communicating the initial warning to residents, describing the failure as unacceptable. “As part of the broader independent investigation initiated following the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, we will also examine the circumstances surrounding this incident, including whether any negligence occurred and why residents were not warned timeously,” Tshwane said.
“Where failures are established, appropriate corrective action and consequence management will follow.”
The City said the Pretoria CBD incident was unrelated to the water-quality problems affecting Bronkhorstspruit.
A damaged sewer pipe in Groenkloof caused the temporary contamination of groundwater from the Fountains springs, which supplements Rand Water’s supply to the Findlay Reservoir.
Repairs to the sewer pipe are continuing, while the affected section of the river will be rehabilitated.
Groundwater from the Fountains springs will remain isolated until testing confirms that the contamination has been eliminated.
The pipeline leading to the Findlay Reservoir will then be flushed before the groundwater supply is restored.
Tshwane committed to continuing routine water-quality monitoring and informing residents of developments affecting the supply.
Residents were also asked to use water sparingly and report leaks as pressure on the municipal supply system remained elevated. “Avoiding unnecessary wastage and reporting leaks will help maintain a reliable supply for all communities,” Tshwane said.
–ChannelAfrica–
